Mathematical Modeling on Erosion Characteristics of Refining Ladle Lining with Application of Purging Plug

Abstract

According to parameters of the refining ladle with argon bottom blowing, the mathematical model describing the erosion behavior of ladle lining materials was established, the flow process of molten steel and thermal transmission of ladle lining were coupled, and the erosion of ladle lining in the condition of blowing argon at the bottom was researched. It has been found that either single or double blowing is applied, the larger erosion rates are mainly distributed in the slag line and the area of ladle lining near purging plugs, and the erosion is accelerated with the gas flow rate increasing, so the areas with higher erosion rates of the lining should be enhanced to avoid early partial damage. The erosion rate of ladle lining with double blowing is larger and the distribution of erosion is obviously different as the gas flow rate is increasing; serious erosion areas are in the slag line region and the higher erosion areas are concentrated on the slag lining and extended toroidally. And, as the distance between the purging plug and the lining of ladle is shortened, the partial erosion is easy to deteriorate and the refractories in the area with higher erosion rate need specialized selection and design. Meanwhile, the purging plug should be located away from the lining wall under the condition of good blowing effect in order to avoid increasing of the partial erosion and shortening of the lining service life.