The CFD Modeling of Multiphase Flow in an SKS Furnace: The Effect of Tuyere Diameter and Bath Depth

CFD simulation using a multi-fluid VOF model on scaled-down SKS furnace multiphase flow was conducted, targeting the agitation performance under conditions of different tuyere diameters and bath depths, at a constant total gas volumetric flow rate. The results indicate that an increased bath depth contributes to the lateral movements of the matte and air phased, significantly promoting the agitation at the far side of the plumes. The characteristic of a deep bath allows larger tuyere diameters operated at a lower gas injection speed, to achieve comparatively smaller low velocity regions and dead zones. In addition, the wall shear stress was found to correlate with the distribution of low-velocity regions. Since the selections of tuyere diameter and bath depth are of major importance in the optimizing of flow fields, the results from this simulation offer good references for the future operation and design of SKS furnaces and other similar industrial vessels.