Numerical prediction of stagnant and flowing zones in a blast furnace by a novel potential flow model

Abstract

Several flow zones exist in an ironmaking blast furnace, including the plug flow zone at the upper part, a stagnant zone in the central bottom and a funnel flow zone near the outlet. The prediction of the stagnant zone has remained a difficulty for years, and various approaches have been attempted in the past. In this article, a new approach based on novel potential flow model was employed to predict the profile of the stagnant zone and the plug flow and funnel flow zones. The results were verified by the experimental observations in literature. The effect of the material flow resistance in the model on the stagnant and flowing zones was investigated, and the results were also compared with the traditional potential flow model. It is demonstrated that the novel potential flow model has the advantage in predicting the stagnant and flowing zones simultaneously without a need to implement extra complicated correlations. • An approach to numerically predict deadman in blast furnace is proposed. • Deadman changes with ratio of potential flow and piping flow resistances. • Predicted results accord fairly well with reality. • Material resistance surely exists within deadman in blast furnace.