Fluid Flow and Mixing Characteristics in a Gas-stirred Molten Metal Bath

Abstract

Fluid flow and mixing characteristics in a molten metal bath are analyzed for inert gas injection through a nozzle at the center of the vessel bottom. It is postulated that the bath consists of two zones: bubble plume zone where gas-liquid mixtures flow upward and annular zone where liquid flows downward. The analysis is made by setting up a steady-state energy balance for the liquid phase. The liquid velocity in the plume zone, the liquid circulating flow rate and the mixing time are calculated for various injecting conditions and correlated as simple functions of gas flow rate, liquid depth and cross-sectional areas of both the plume zone and the vessel. It is found that the cross-sectional area of the plume zone has a significant influence on the circulating flow. Large cross-sectional area of the plume zone is favorable for mixing in the bath. The calculated results of circulating flow rate and mixing time agree with the experimental results obtained previously.