Simulation on the Slag Desulfurization During the LF Refining in a Gas-Blowing Ladle

Abstract

A three-dimensional numerical model coupled the fluid-flow simulation and the reaction kinetics was established to study the evolution of the sulfur content in the molten steel. The VOF, k-ε, and DPM models were employed to simulate the fluid flow of three phases in the ladle furnace, including the steel, the slag, and the air. Reactions between the steel and the slag were considered in the simulation using a series of user defined functions. The steel-slag reactions had a significant effect on the sulfur content in the molten steel, resulting the continuous decrease of the sulfur content. The [S] content reduced from 0.077 wt% into 0.01 wt% in 50 min. The distribution of [S] in the molten steel was uneven, with the lowest near the steel-slag interface and the highest in the middle zone between the argon blowing point and the ladle wall.KeywordsDesulfurizationVOF-DPMGas-stirred ladleNumerical model