Numerical modelling of fluid flow and desulphurisation kinetics in an argon-stirred ladle furnace

• Published in: Ironmaking & steelmaking Vol. 45; no. 3; pp. 280 - 287
• Main Authors: Cao, Q., Pitts, A., Nastac, L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England Taylor & Francis 16.03.2018; SAGE Publications
• Subjects: Argon stirring; CFD modelling; Desulphurisation kinetics; Fluid-flow characteristics; Gas flow rate; Ladle furnace; Slag eye; Slag layer thickness; Desulphurisation kinetics; Slag eye; Ladle furnace; Gas flow rate; Fluid-flow characteristics; CFD modelling; Argon stirring; Slag layer thickness
• ISSN: 0301-9233; 1743-2812
• DOI: 10.1080/03019233.2016.1262574

A full-scale, three-dimensional, transient CFD modelling approach capable of predicting the three-phase fluid-flow characteristics and desulphurisation behaviour in an argon-stirred ladle was developed. The model can accurately predict the molten steel flow and slag eye behaviour. The predicted sulphur content in ladle as a function of time agrees well with the experimental data. The effects of the initial sulphur content, the gas flow rate and the slag layer thickness on the desulphurisation efficiency were also investigated. The predicted results show that the desulphurisation efficiency improves with the increase of the initial sulphur content, the gas flow rate and the slag layer thickness. Higher gas flow rate can improve the slag-steel interaction, which, in turn, helps improving the desulphurisation rate. The thinner the slag layer, the larger the slag eyes and the smaller the interfacial area between the slag and steel phases. The consequence is the decrease in the desulphurisation rate.