Thermal Mixing Analysis in a Ladle Utilizing Physical and Numerical Modeling through Planar Laser-induced Fluorescence (PLIF) Technique

Thermal mixing during the gas stirring operation and arc heating in a steel ladle is analyzed through the modern tools of a physical model using PIV (Particle Image Velocimetry) and thermal PLIF (Planar Laser Induced Fluorescence), whose velocity and temperature fields were used to fine-tune and validate a multiphase Eulerian two-phase mathematical model. Agreement on both fluid dynamics and thermal evolution is reasonably good between experiments and the predictions obtained by the mathematical model of the physical model. The analysis coming from the numerical model validated by the physical model measurements included the thermal mixing and energy efficiency of single nozzle injection in centric and eccentric (4/5R) gas injection. It turned out that energy efficiency in the centric gas injection is 20% more efficient than in eccentric injection. Then, under the same heat flux provided, the maximum temperature of the water in the centric gas injection would be higher than the maximum temperature reached in the eccentric mode with the same gas flow rate. Good heat transfer happens when the heat source impinges in a fluid region with high circulation and turbulent dispersion.