Mathematical Modeling on the Fluid Flow and Desulfurization During KR Hot Metal Treatment

In the current study, the fluid flow and desulfurization in a 160 t KR ladle were simulated using FLUENT combined with user-developed subroutines. The velocity distribution of the hot metal, the motion and distribution of CaO particles, and the desulfurization rate of the hot metal were calculated. With the increase of rotation speed of the impeller, the velocity of CaO particles increased as well, which resulted in the increase of desulfurization efficiency. The desulfurization rate varied at different positions of the ladle, with a higher rate in the higher speed zone and slower in the dead zone. The desulfurization rate increased slightly with growing rotation speed of the impeller. When the particle diameter increased from 1.3 to 2 mm, the desulfurization rate decreased approximately 3 or 4 times.