Numerical and experimental investigation of the fluid dynamics in a Teniente type copper converter

Abstract

We have numerically studied and experimentally visualized the fluid dynamics in a Teniente type copper converter. The three-dimensional simulation of the three-phase system was carried out using the volume of fluid (VOF) and the standard k-epsilon turbulence models implemented in a commercial solver. The numerical model includes the white metal and slag liquid phases and gas phase through air injection from 50 submerged tuyeres. Experimental observation was carried out in a 1:5 scaled water container, and mean amplitude and frequency of bath oscillation were measured. The numerical simulation has been able to predict the axial displacement of slag layer, the bath oscillation and the jet formation.