Bubble behavior in the slab continuous casting mold: Physical and mathematical model

Abstract

A two phase population balance is used to predict the polydispersed bubble flow and size distribution in a slab continuous casting mold and Submerged Entry Nozzle (SEN) system. Multiple Size Group (MUSIG) with a suitable breakage and coalescence model (Ansys CFX) was adopted to account for the polydispersed gas flow. Initial bubble size distribution as determined for two industrial refractories have been taken in consideration. A two way coupling model including the effect of the drag force and non-drag forces such as virtual mass force and turbulent dispersion force was considered. The results are compared with gas distribution in a 1:1 scale water — air mold model running under conditions of fluidynamic similarity to validate the model. The simulations have then been extended to describe the actual steel — argon flow, considering a thermal expansion factor for argon bubbles. The effect of gas distribution on the flow field of liquid inside the mold and other metallurgical aspects are discussed.