3-DIMENSIONAL FLUID-FLOW MODEL FOR GAS-STIRRED LADLES

A three-dimensional mathematical model has been developed to simulate the fluid flow phenomena in gas-stirred ladies. It can predict the vel ocity profile and flow pattern of the liquid and the gas bubbles. The two-phase fluid flow phenomena were analyzed by using the SOLA-SURF te chnique supplemented with the K-epsilon-two-equation turbulence model. The interactions between the gas bubble motion and the liquid flow we re also considered. The movements of the gas bubbles were calculated a nd the extent of the plume zone determined. The effects of various des ign/operation conditions, such as gas flow rate, location of the porou s plug, and addition of an immersion hood, can be evaluated. Flow inte nsity and stirring ability increase with increased gas flow rate. The dead zone near the bottom corner of the ladle exists whether the porou s plug is centered or off-centered; this problem only slightly improve s when gas flow rate is increased. Addition of an immersion hood not o nly provides a slag-free and protective atmosphere inside the hood, bu t also reduces the dead zone.