2019 Volume 59 Issue 7 Pages 1214-1223
A three-dimensional mathematical model of an industrial Single Snorkel Refining Furnace (SSRF) was implemented in designed experiments to investigate the influence of injection position and snorkel diameter on mixing efficiency and circulation rate. The discrete phase model–volume of fluid coupled model was employed to describe the argon/steel/slag/air multiphase flow. The expansion behavior of argon bubbles was considered. The results indicated that eccentric injection is greatly beneficial for increasing circulation rate and decreasing mixing time. The effect of snorkel diameter was investigated in light of eccentric plug position. It was found that the oversized and undersized snorkel diameter are not desirable, as it contributes poor mixing at ladle bottom and periphery of snorkel, respectively. An optimum diameter was recommended according to a principle that the stirring energy of plume should be distributed reasonably for achieving homogeneous flow in the whole bath.
