Abstract

Droplet generation phenomenon and its dependence on process parameters have\nbeen determined using a predictive numerical model, which predict droplet generation rate\nbased on the blowing number. Evaluation of blowing number is performed depending on\nlance dynamics, oxygen flow rate and surface tension. The developed model considers\nsurface tension as a function of oxygen, carbon and sulphur content of bath and bath\ntemperature. Bath temperature is predicted using the enthalpy change of oxidation\nreactions and change of specific heat in each component present in the bath. Predicted end\nblow carbon concentration and bath temperature correspond well with the experimental\nvalues obtained from steel plant. The effect of lance angle and lance height on droplet\ngeneration is also taken in account. It has been found that the rate of droplet generation in\nmelt increases with increases of blowing number (NB) and jet momentum onto the metal\nbath. Bath temperature is found to be more dominating factor for droplet generation\nprocess compared to lance height.