Mathematical Modeling of the Desulfurization Process in an Argon Gas-Stirred Ladle: A Parametric Study
(Room 204)
09 May 17
11:00 AM
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11:30 AM
With the increasing demand for high-quality and lower-sulfur-grade steels, the improvement of desulfurization efficiency becomes one of the most important objectives in ladle metallurgical furnace (LMF) refining operations. In this study, a multi-phase fluid dynamics–reaction kinetics coupled model was developed and validated to predict the slag-metal reactions and desulfurization efficiency in the LMF at Nucor Tuscaloosa. Then, the validated model was applied to investigate the effects of (i) steel and slag chemistries, (ii) Ar flowrate, (iii) slag volume, and (iv) Al additions on the slag-metal reactions, including desulfurization efficiency. The investigated results can provide meaningful assistance for industrial process control to improve the desulfurization efficiency and to potentially decrease the processing time.