Mathematical modelling of turbulent fluid flow and heat transfer of Companhia Siderurgica de Tubarao RH degasser ladle

摘要

Snorkel configuration can play a significant role in determining the steel circulation and decarburization rates in RH degasser systems. In the present work, a mathematical model for three-dimensional turbulent fluid flow and heat transfer in a RH degasser ladle was developed. This model was applied to Companhia Sidenirgica de Tubarao -CST- degasser ladle and used to investigate the effects of snorkel configuration on the steel circulation and decarburization rates. The effects of asymmetric boundary conditions at the down-leg snorkel were also analysed. The mathematical simulations showed that the increase of the snorkel diameters and of the immersion depths lead to an increase in the decarburization rate. The predictions of the fluid flow part of the mathematical model were validated using a physical model and flow visualisation techniques.