METHOD FOR INJECTING A GASEOUS REACTING AGENT INTO A BATH OF MOLTEN METAL

Method for injecting a gaseous reaction agent into a bath of molten metal by the use of a submerged nozzle to achieve the generation of a mass of very fine bubbles throughout a substantial portion of the bath. The bubbles mix and stir the bath to effect chemical homogeneity with a minimum amount of splashing and slopping of the molten metal and persist for a time sufficient to promote substantially complete reaction of the gas phase with the environmental fluid. By selecting a bubble diameter from a consideration of the desired gas flow rate and appropriate Reynolds number, the gas issuing into the molten bath will disperse into small bubbles of essentially constant diameter to maximize the gas-liquid interfacial area. Additionally, by controlling the pressure of the gas forced through the nozzle, the penetration of the fine bubbles into the bath can be controlled to achieve maximum stirring and optimum bubble retention time within the bath without damaging the refractory lining of the vessel containing the bath.