Effects of Top Layer, Nozzle Arrangement, and Gas Flow Rate on Mixing Time in Agitated Ladles by Bottom Gas Injection

• Published in: Metallurgical and materials transactions. B, Process metallurgy and materials processing science Vol. 44; no. 4; pp. 914 - 923
• Main Authors: Conejo, A. N., Kitamura, S., Maruoka, N., Kim, S.-J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Boston Springer US 01-08-2013; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry and Materials Science; Exact sciences and technology; Gas flow; Gas injection; Gases; Hexanes; Injections; Ladles; Materials Science; Metallic Materials; Metals. Metallurgy; Nanotechnology; Nozzles; Positioning; Process metallurgy; Production of metals; Structural Materials; Surfaces and Interfaces; Thin Films; Transaction processing; Water; Radial Position; Separation Angle; Electric Conductivity Sensor; Slag Thickness; Porous Plug; Steelmaking; Flow velocity; Gas injection; Ladle; Gas flow
• ISSN: 1073-5615; 1543-1916
• DOI: 10.1007/s11663-013-9829-5

This research investigates mixing phenomena in bottom gas-stirred ladles using water modeling, which incorporates hexane as the top layer. The effects of slag thickness, nozzle position, number of nozzles, and gas flow rate on mixing time have been investigated. Conditions to improve mixing time have been identified. A single nozzle located at two-thirds of the ladle radius was found to produce the shortest mixing time. Under extremely low gas flow rates, an unusual behavior was observed, where the top layer promoted a decrease in mixing time.