Filament and Droplets Formed Behind a Solid Sphere Rising Across a Liquid-Liquid Interface

Abstract

An understanding of the dynamic behavior of non-metallic inclusions such as bubbles and alumina passing through an interface between molten steel and slag is of essential importance for producing clean steel. Model experiments were carried out in this study using water and silicone oil as the working fluids. The behavior of a solid sphere rising through an interface between stratified two liquid layers and the associated deformation of the interface were observed with a high-speed video camera. A filament-like column of the lower liquid was formed behind the sphere rising in the upper liquid layer. Many droplets were generated due to breakup of the column. Empirical equations were proposed for parameters characterizing the shape and size of the column and droplets.