Flow Phenomena in the Dripping Zone of Blast Furnace − A Review

Abstract

Dripping zone plays a crucial role in modern high productivity blast furnaces; it affects production rate, hot metal quality, and process efficiency. This is a four phase region, where gas, solid, liquid, and powder coexist with each other. Solid and liquid flow downward driven by gravity, whereas gas and powder suspended in the gas flow upward due to the pressure force. The flow of four phases in this region is considerably different from that in the upper shaft region due to the geometry and the presence of deadman zone at the center and discrete raceways at the periphery. This paper presents the review of the current status of the understanding of this flow phenomena of different phases namely, granular solids, dripping liquids, powder, and gas. Discussion on the fundamental aspects of the flow of each phase are followed by review of the current status of experimental investigations and modeling efforts. Gaps in understanding and challenges ahead for future investigations are suggested.