Model Experiment on the Hydrodynamic Drag of a Poorly Wetted Sphere Penetrating into a Molten Metal Bath

Abstract

Dispersion of fine particles in a molten metal bath is responsible for the efficiency of metals refining processes such as the desulphurization process. Model experiments have been carried out to understand the behavior of a poorly wetted sphere penetrating into a molten metal bath. Water is used as a model liquid for the molten metal. Three kinds of solid spheres of densities greater than that of water are chosen as models for the particle. The wettability of the sphere is changed by coating repellent on its surface. The poorly wetted sphere thus coated accompanies an air bubble on its rear surface in the course of penetrating into the bath. An empirical equation is proposed for the drag coefficient of the poorly wetted sphere.