Fluid slag skimming from steel ladles

Abstract

A 1/7 scale model was constructed to physically simulate the skimming process of desulphurization slag in the transfer ladle used in the steelmaking industry. 1-decanol and water were used to represent the slag and the underlying molten steel, respectively. It was observed that the underlying liquid surface circulation created by three impinging gas jets in glancing contact with the bath surface would carry the slag towards the skimming mouth. The Reynolds number of the jets (I.D. 0.01 m) inclined 50° to the horizontal was 6 100. In the same amount of time, 70% of the slag originally charged to the tank was skimmed with the assistance of the jets in comparison to 20 % when no jets were used. This approach to slag flow control was considered much more effective and less generally damaging than the use of submerged gas injection.