Influence of the geometry of the arrangement inductor — crucible to the velocity of the transport of mass in the liquid metallic phase mixed inductive

• Published in: Archives of Civil and Mechanical Engineering 2011-01, Vol.11 (1), p.171-179
• Main Authors: Przyłucki, R., Golak, S., Oleksiak, B., Blacha, L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aggregates; Civil Engineering; Coefficients; Contaminants; Engineering; Evaporation rate; Inductors; Knowledge management; Liquid metals; Mass transfer; Mathematical analysis; Mechanical Engineering; Metallurgy; Parameters; Phases; Smelting; Structural Materials; Vacuum induction furnaces; Velocity
• ISSN: 1644-9665; 2083-3318
• DOI: 10.1016/S1644-9665(12)60181-2

The mutual reactions between the gaseous phase and liquid metals or their alloys are of particular importance for the processes of metal smelting and refining. A comprehensive kinetic analysis of such processes requires extensive knowledge of the mass transfer phenomena taking place in both the aforementioned phases. This results from the fact that in heterogeneous systems, the components of the individual phases react with one another only after penetrating the interface. The parameter characterising the mass transfer velocity in the given phase is the so-called mass transfer coefficient. Knowing its value with reference to both phases as well as knowing the constant velocity of the reaction taking place in the interfacial area enables calculation of the general mass transfer coefficient values characteristic for the given process but also identification of the stages determining the coefficient. Some of the metallurgical aggregates whose design evolution is currently widely discussed are vacuum induction furnaces used for smelting of metals and alloys as well as for their refining. Intensive mixing of the metallic bath, which occurs in the said aggregates, causes an increase in the mass transfer velocity in the metal, and therefore, it can determine various parameters, such as the evaporation process rate for the bath volatile contaminants. This article is an analysis of the results obtained under the tests aimed at determination of the influence exerted by the melting pot position against the inductor in an induction furnace on the mass transfer coefficient for liquid metallic phase.