Effect of the Location of Tracer Addition in a Ladle on the Mixing Time through Physical and Numerical Modeling

Abstract

In the present work, the release of tracer location on the global mixing time in an agitated ladle furnace by gas bottom injection was analyzed. Then, a numerical multiphasic steel-slag-argon-air system of a prototype with a capacity of 150 tons was carried out. The simulation was validated by using a physical model with a 1/6 geometric scale using colorant, KCl dispersion measurements techniques and open slag eye opening. Four different tracer addition locations were strategically established to study the influence of tracer releasing location on chemical homogenization. From the results, it was found that the measurement of mixing times varies according to the location of the tracer addition, which to a greater extent is conditioned by the convective currents that at some extent were related to turbulent viscosity.

Optimized Fluid Flow Control System for a Tundish Used in Frequent Steel Grade Change Operations

“…The micromixing is responsible for the different mixing, t 95 times, for 95% mixing degree determined in different regions of downscaled water models. [26][27][28][29][30] Since micromixing is a 3D transport phenomenon, the attainment of complete mixing will depend on the physical location of the measuring probe. Micromixing plays the same role in intermixing processes of steel grade change operations, such as in the present work.…”

Mixing Time Prediction in a Ladle Furnace

“…In this context, it is important to explore the impact of the main flow structure and turbulence kinetic energy on the mixing time. Numerous researchers have studied various variables that influence mixing time, including flow rate [4][5][6][7], ladle dimensions [8], plug arrangement [9][10][11][12], properties and thickness of the slag layer [13,14], and tracer location [15]. While some researchers argue that mixing time is not influenced by tracer location and release amount as long as homogeneity of 99.5% is achieved [3], this condition is often too extreme.…”

“…While some researchers argue that mixing time is not influenced by tracer location and release amount as long as homogeneity of 99.5% is achieved [3], this condition is often too extreme. Most studies suggest that with a homogeneity of 95%, mixing time is significantly impacted by tracer location and monitoring location [15,16], which is attributed to flow structure differences. This curiosity also extends to how mixing time might be influenced by turbulence models in simulations.…”

Process optimization of bottom-blown argon for 130t ladle furnace

“…Most studies of ladle bottom-blowing argon have focused on the effect of various process conditions on mixing time and slag eye formation [15]. Feng [16], nozzle diameter [17], tracer addition location [18], electromagnetic stirring [19], fluid-dynamic structure [20], and different purging plug designs [21] [6], slag layer thickness [22], fluid flow turbulence [23], and physical parameters of slag (density, viscosity) [24,25] on open eye formation, respectively. Tang et al [26] and Villela-Aguilar et al [27] proposed a new blowing mode with different flow rates designed for each plugs, which can reduce the mixing time and open eye area with the same blowing flow rate.…”

“…Most studies of ladle bottom-blowing argon have focused on the effect of various process conditions on mixing time and slag eye formation [15]. Feng et al, Terrazas et al, Herrera-Ortega et al, Sand et al, González-Bernal et al, and Tan et al investigated the effects of nozzle radius position [16], nozzle diameter [17], tracer addition location [18], electromagnetic stirring [19], fluid-dynamic structure [20], and different purging plug designs [21] on mixing time, respectively. Ramasetti et al, Morales et al, Calderón-Hurtado et al, and Amaro-Villeda et al investigated the effects of argon gas flow rate [6], slag layer thickness [22], fluid flow turbulence [23], and physical parameters of slag (density, viscosity) [24,25] on open eye formation, respectively.…”