Courtesy of Mr. Bulent Kocatulum, Bethlehem Steel Corporation

The Bethlehem Steel Corporation is using FIDAP to improve the continuous-circulation vacuum-degassing process used in their Burns Harbor plant. A parametric study, investigating the effect of argon injection rate on the recirculating flow of steel, has been used to investigate alternative designs that could improve process efficiency.

The FIDAP model of the degassing process consists of two vessels: the ladle which holds the steel and the degasser which is dipped into the ladle through two cylindrical up-leg and down-leg snorkels. When a vacuum is applied in the degasser vessel, the steel rises into the degasser through the snorkels. The circulation of steel through the degasser is obtained by injecting argon gas into the up-leg snorkel. FIDAP was used to investigate the effects of several argon injection rates on the steel flow field. Argon injection was modeled using FIDAP's two-phase Lagrangian approach.

The steel circulation rate predicted by FIDAP compared well with experience gained in the plant and with experimental investigations reported in the literature. Based on these encouraging results, BSC is planning further CFD modeling projects. Improvements in the current process are expected to reduce production costs and increase steel product quality.

Particle paths illustrate the circulation of steel driven by argon gas injection. (Image created using Ensight visualization software, courtesy of CEI, Inc.)

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