Flow Field inside a Metallurgic Ladle

The flow field induced by an argon gas plume in a metallurgical ladle was determined via numerical simulation in a project commissioned by the Hungarian steel producer Dunaferr Acélmuvek Kft

The flow of the non-transparent, hot molten steel can only be investigated around real circumstances via numerical simulation (CFD). Validation of the results was carried out by indirect methods based on local measurements.

Modelling of the flow and the deposition of the pollutant aluminium-oxide particles influencing the quality of the steel posed an exciting and new challenge.

Work included:

• Modelling of molten steel with pollutant particles (discrete phase)
• Modelling the efficiency of the argon gas plume in terms of stirring
• Predicting the area of brake-through of steel through slag layer
• Predicting the purging process by determining deposition of pollutant particles
• Predicting time residence time necessary for purification of metal