Numerical Investigation on Transient Flow and Inclusion Removal Behavior in Tundish During Ladle Change Process

Abstract

The removal of inclusion particles is an important function of tundish metallurgy. During ladle change, the liquid level fluctuation around the ladle shroud is severe, which may affect the effectiveness of inclusion removal. In the present study, the fluid flow characteristics and inclusion-removal behavior in the tundish during ladle change are investigated by numerical simulation method. And the effectiveness of flow control devices on the flow characteristics of molten steel is evaluated. It is found that the escape rate of inclusion particles during ladle change is ordered as emptying process < steady process < filling process. The proper combination of weir, dam, and turbulence inhibitor can optimize the conditions for the floating and removal of inclusion particles to the greatest extent. In the tundish with weir and dam, the escape rates of inclusion particles with sizes of 10, 50, and 100 μm throughout the entire ladle change period are respectively reduced by 9.8%, 1.6%, and 1.4%, compared to not using flow control devices. With a combination of weir, dam, and turbulence inhibitor, the escape rates of the three types of inclusion particles are reduced by 24.7%, 9.9%, and 1.2%, respectively.