CFD modeling of transport phenomena and inclusion removal in a gas-stirred ladle

Abstract

A three-dimensional, transient CFD modeling approach has been developed to predict the multiphase fluid flow, slag-steel interface characteristics and inclusion removal in a gas-stirred ladle with taking the fluctuant top slag layer into account. The comparison with experimental data indicates that the model can accurately predict the slag-steel interface and slag eye characteristics. The discrete phase model was used to trace the individual inclusion movement through particle trajectory. Finally, the contribution of different removal mechanisms on the inclusion removal was investigated. The results show that the slag capture is the prevailing mechanism for inclusion removal. The bubble-inclusion attachment also helps remove a considerable amount of inclusions, while the inclusion removal ratio by wall adhesion is quite low.