Abstract
Three lance designs for argon bubbling in molten steel are presented. Bottom bubbling is considered too. Geometries considered are straight-shaped, T-shaped, and disk-shaped. The bubbling behavior of these lances is analyzed using Computational Fluid Dynamics, so transient three dimensional, isothermal, two-phase, numerical simulations were carried out. Using the numerical results, the bubble distribution and the open eye area are analyzed for the considered lance geometries. The plume volume is calculated from the open eye area and the lance immersion depth using geometrical considerations. Among the three lance designs considered, disk-shaped lance has the bigger plume volume and the smaller mixing time. As the injection lance is deeper immersed, the power stirring is increased and the mixing time is decreased.
Highlights
Homogenization of temperature and composition of molten steel requires proper stirring, which is frequently achieved by means of argon gas bubbling given that momentum transfer occurs from argon bubbles to molten steel [1]
The bubble distribution and the open eye area are analyzed for the considered lance geometries
The plume volume is calculated from the open eye area and the lance immersion depth using geometrical considerations
Summary
Homogenization of temperature and composition of molten steel requires proper stirring, which is frequently achieved by means of argon gas bubbling given that momentum transfer occurs from argon bubbles to molten steel [1]. When argon is injected in molten steel through a submerged lance or a porous plug located at the bottom of the ladle, the gas jet breaks up into bubbles. The effect of the gas flow rate on the fluid flow and open eye formation is studied in [4] using a water model. A Large-Eddy Simulation model is employed in [11] to quantify the impact of the bubble size, the nozzle diameter and the gas flow rate on the properties of bubble plumes, such as the plume’s width, centerline velocity, and mass flux. In [13] flow structures of molten steel during stirring operations with argon injection are studied through physical and mathematical models. In [20] a scale water model of an industrial gas-stirred ladle with an eccentric porous plug at the bottom is used to study the impact of different injector designs on mixing at constant flow rate. The open eye area, the volume plume and the plume volume fraction are quantified and compared maintaining constant the gas flow rate
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