Computational simulation model for metallurgical effects during EAF refining stage: Waiting and arcing time

Abstract

3D computational fluid dynamics models using Fluent were developed to investigate the steel melt flow during waiting and arcing time. Both models were transient that analyzed 60 seconds to investigate the flow characteristics considering variation in steel melt thermo-physical parameters and operating conditions. The velocity of melt movement was high enough to make a turbulent flow (solved with realize k- turbulence model). It was found that the steel melt flow velocity increases by a combined effect of the steel melt temperature and composition, and slag pressure. The slag pressure increases by a double effect of slag density and height, and the steel melt fluid flow velocity changes with the slag pressure. The effect of the slag thickness is more significant than the effect of thermo-physical properties of steel melt. Although, the maximum steel melt velocity “during arcing time” may be as large as 0.67 m/s located at steel met outlet, the melt exhibits completely dead zones with minimum flow velocity distribution especially at the bottom and circumference areas. This indicates the importance of combined stirring and large reaction rates to achieve a complete homogeneous melt especially at bottom and circumference areas.