Three-Dimensional CFD-VOF Simulation of Interaction Between Top-Blown Oxygen Supersonic Jets and Bath in BOF Steelmaking Converter

摘要

The impinging of supersonic jets from an oxygen lance with multiple convergent-divergent nozzles onto the free surface of the molten slag-metal bath is widely encountered in BOF steehnaking process. It efficiently promotes the refining reactions and greatly improves the productivity. On one hand, the supersonic jets deliver oxygen into the molten bath to decarburize too pig iron and to transfer impurities like phosphorous, silicon and other elements to the slag by means of the oxidation reactions for the purpose of the aimed steel composition and temperature. On the other hand, the impingement of the supersonic jets simultaneously provides the stirring kinetic energy and leads to spontaneous emulsification, which immensely enhances the rates of heat transfer and chemical reactions. Therefore, understanding the characteristics of interaction between supersonic oxygen jets and the molten slag-metal bath inside BOFs is crucial for accurate control of the chemical reactions and heat flow processes in order to achieve stable BOF operation and improve the operating efficiency.