Wettability Effect on the Terminal Velocity of a Single Sphere Descending in Still Water Contained in an Inclined Pipe

摘要

Solid refining agents are introduced into an inclined circular reactor of a continuous refining process together with molten iron containing impurities such as sulfur. In the course of passing through the reactor metallurgical reactions take place between the impurities and agents. The impurities can be removed after issuing out of the reactor. The terminal velocity of the agents therefore is one of key parameters affecting the efficiency of the process. In addition, the agents are usually poorly wetted by molten iron. Accordingly, information on the effect of the wettability of the agents on the terminal velocity is of essential importance. Wetted and poorly wetted spheres made of acrylic resin, polyamide, polyacetal, and fluororesin were used to obtain an empirical equation of the terminal velocity in an inclined pipe.