Development of Swirling Flow Generator in Immersion Nozzle

Abstract

It is very critical to develop a cheap, simple and safe swirling generator because an introduction of swirl motion is very effective to control the flow in the continuous casting mold and refining process. Here, a twist-tape-swirling-blade is proposed and its characteristics are investigated. Obtained results are as follows;
(1) Numerical results obtained by the k–ε turbulence model and experimental results coincide with each other for the tangential velocity distributions at the outlet of the swirl blade.
(2) A slightly strained tangential velocity can be seen just below the swirling blade, but the tangential velocity becomes axi-symmetric at a downstream position, which is within the distance of 100 mm from the outlet of the swirling blade.
(3) Knowing the axial velocity and twist ratio of the swirl blade, the corresponding tangential velocity and pressure drop can be deduced through the relationship between dimensionless radial position and tangential velocity.