Numerical Analysis of Fluid Flow and Powder Transport Characteristics of RH-Degasser Ladle Bottom Powder Injection (RH-PBI) Process

In this work, the RH-BPI refining process was numerically simulated by establishing a coupled gas–liquid-particle mathematical model. The deflection behavior of the gas-powder plume due to powder injection was investigated, and the effects of powder injection location, carrier gas flow rate, powder diameter, and powder injection rate on the circulation flow rate, abrasion of the snorkels, and percentage of powder in the ladle top zone were evaluated. The experimental data were compared with the simulation of flow field velocity and powder distribution. The results show that RH-BPI will change the gas-powder plume shape, which in turn affects the liquid steel flow, abrasion of the snorkels, and percentage of powder in the ladle top zone. The whole powder injection process is divided into three stages based on the deflection of the gas-powder plume. Powder injection location is the most important factor. It is more advantageous when the powder injection location is directly below the up snorkel. With the increase of the bottom blowing flow rate, the circulation flow rate and abrasion of snorkels increase, but the percentage of powder in the ladle top zone first decreases and then increases. Large powder diameter will increase abrasion of the snorkels and percentage of powder in the ladle top zone, but there is no significant effect on the circulation flow rate; Powder injection rate has insignificant effect of above three indicators.