FLUID FLOW AND MIXING CHARACTERISTICS IN A GAS-STIRRED MOLTEN METAL BATH.

Abstract

Fluid flow and mixing characteristics in a molten metal bath are analyzed for inert gas injection through a nozzle at the center of the vessel bottom. It is postulated that the bath consists of two zones: a bubble plume zone where gas-liquid mixtures flow upward and an annular zone where liquid flows downward. The liquid velocity in the plume zone, the liquid circulating flow rate and mixing time are calculated for various injecting conditions and correlated as simple functions of gas flow rate, liquid depth and cross-sectional areas of both the plume zone and the vessel. A large cross-sectional area of the plume zone is favorable for mixing.