Abstract
Dispersing fine particles uniformly into a molten metal bath is one of key technologies for enhancing the efficiency of metals refining processes such as the desulphurization process. Model experiments have been carried out in this study to understand the behavior of a poorly wetted sphere penetrating into a molten metal bath. Water is used as a model liquid for molten metal. Solid spheres of different three diameters are chosen as models for the particle. Their densities are the same and smaller than that of water. The wettability of each sphere is changed by coating repellent on its surface. The poorly wetted sphere thus coated with repellent pulls an air column into the bath in the course of penetrating into the bath, accompanies an air bubble on its rear surface after braking up of the column, reaches a certain position in the bath and finally comes back to the bath surface. Empirical equations are proposed for the penetration depths of the air column and the sphere.
