Characterization of Cavity Oscillation and Splashing Distribution Under Excitation by Bottom Gas Blowing in a Steelmaking Converter

The cavity oscillation and splash characteristics dominate the operational stability and refining efficiency in converter steelmaking processes. These characteristics under excitation by bottom gas blowing in a steelmaking converter were evaluated using a developed filter-based multifluid model. The cavity oscillation mechanism was examined by reference to cavity surface flows, and its characteristics were quantified in terms of frequency and amplitude using the fast Fourier transform approach. The splashing distribution describing the splashing droplet size and rate under various operating conditions was clarified. The results reveal that the cavity oscillation and splashing distribution are mainly controlled by the cavity surface flow velocity, which itself is influenced by the operating conditions. Use of bottom gas blowing intensifies the cavity oscillation in terms of both frequency and amplitude, and increases the splashing rate, but decreases the droplet size by accelerating the cavity surface flow. The lance height plays a dominant role in forming the cavity oscillation and controlling the splashing distribution.