Fundamental Mathematical Modeling of Gas Injection in AOD Converters

Abstract

A novel mathematical model of gas injection in the AOD converter process has been developed. The model is based on fundamental transport equations and includes separate solutions of both the steel and the gas phases and their coupling by friction. The inlet boundary conditions at the nozzle are predicted using a separate fundamental mathematical model of an AOD nozzle. This approach, together with the two phase solution, avoids the need to guess the inlet boundary conditions. The predicted gas plume has been compared to a plume from a scaled down water model of an AOD nozzle in a qualitative manner. The plume shapes are very similar, which indicates that the model predictions are of the right order of magnitude. The AOD model has also been used to predict fluid flow patterns, turbulence characteristics and bubble diameters.