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Description
A three dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model using an Euler-Lagrangian approach is developed in order to understand the mixing of liquid steel in a ladle using Argon purging plugs in the bottom. The simulations consider liquid steel and slag as continuous liquid phases and Argon is considered as homogenous Lagrangian particles. The interfaces between the steel, slag, and top gas phases in the ladle are modelled using the volume of fluid (VOF) method.
The simulations were performed in the ladle geometry based on the 325 t industrial steel ladle from the IJmuiden steel plant. A detailed parameter study was performed, using either one of the plugs for purging, using higher flow rate through one of the plugs and comparing the results with the case of purging using two plugs. The results were summarized and compared in terms of slag open eye, wall shear and dead zone volume. Using one plug increased the mixing time and the choice of the plug did not play a role. The wall shear is seen clearly on the side of the plug which was used for the purging. The dead zone is predominantly present near the wall and in the area far away from the plug.
Tracer studies were performed to mimic the addition of alloys from a chute and through wire injection. The mixing times were quantified using tracer analysis to study the influence of different alloy addition areas.