Turbulent flow with nonequilibrium chemical reaction in single snorkel RH

Purpose The reported mathematical models of gas–liquid flow in single snorkel Rheinstahl–Heraeus (SSRH) are based on the assumption of steady Ar-molten steel flow. The purpose of this paper is to develop a mathematical model to describe the unsteady turbulent flow (CO-Ar-molten steel) with nonequilibrium decarburization reaction. Design/methodology/approach On the base of the finite volume method, the computational fluid dynamics software CFX is used to predict the unsteady fluid flow, the spatial distributions of CO/argon gas and carbon element. The water model experiment and the industrial experiment are carried out to verify the mathematical models. Findings A two-way coupling model (T-WCM) based on algebraic slip model is developed to investigate the coupling phenomena. The related results show that T-WCM is more rigorous and accurate than one-way coupling model in predicting carbon content of molten steel. The amount of CO gas, which can enhance turbulent flow and mass transfer, is about three times the argon gas blown into SSRH. Originality/value CO gas is the key factor in investigating the transport phenomena. This study fully reveals the truth about the unsteady gas-liquid flow in SSRH. It is necessary to adopt T-WCM based on algebraic slip model to describe the CO-Ar-molten steel flow phenomenon.