A Three-Dimensional Three-Phase Model of Gas Injection in AOD Converters

• Published in: Steel research international 2014-03, Vol.85 (3), p.376-387
• Main Authors: Tilliander, Anders, Jonsson, Lage T. I., Jönsson, Pär G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 3-D graphics; AOD; Argon oxygen decarburizing; CFD; Computational fluid dynamics; Fluid flow; gas injection; Gases; Injection molding; Mathematical models; modeling; simulation; slag; Slags; steel; Steel converters; three-phase; Turbulence; Turbulent flow
• ISSN: 1611-3683; 1869-344X; 1869-344X
• DOI: 10.1002/srin.201300065

A mathematical model of gas injection in the AOD converter process has been developed by augmentation of an earlier developed three‐dimensional two‐phase model to the slag phase and an industrial relevant geometry including six nozzles. The model is based on fundamental transport equations and includes separate solution of the steel and the gas phases and their coupling by friction as well as the slag phase. The 3D 3‐phase (steel, slag, and gas) AOD model has been used to predict fluid flow, turbulence, and bubble characteristics as well as fluid‐slag dispersion. In addition, two different gas flow rates have been simulated which resulted in quite different flow pattern. This new findings opens up for future investigations of gas–metal reactions in the AOD converter, which are of key interest from an industrial point of view. A 3D 3‐phase (steel, slag and gas) AOD model with an industrial relevant geometry including six nozzles has been used to predict fluid flow, turbulence and bubble characteristics as well as fluid‐slag dispersion. Also, two different gas flow rates have been simulated. This new findings opens up for further investigations of gas‐metal reactions in the AOD converter.