Mathematical and physical modelling of fluid flow and heat transfer in electric smelting

Abstract

Heat and momentum transfer in a submerged electric smelting furnace were investigated in a physical model, using oil and an aqueous calcium chloride solution to simulate the slag and matte phases, respectively. Gas evolution at the electrode was simulated by the injection of gas through the electrode in the model. A mathematical model for fluid flow and heat transfer in the model was also developed. The measured temperature distributions near the oil⧹solution interface could only be reproduced in the mathematical model by the imposition of a no-slip boundary condition at the interface. This condition impedes the transfer of heat and momentum into the lower phase; the implications for smelting are discussed.