Fundamental aspects regarding the technological application of gas bubbles to the non-metallic inclusion removal and the slag foaming in electric arc furnaces

Abstract

Bubbles, in general, are widely applied for different industrial sectors, e.g., in the froth flotation, in aluminum foaming and even to control the creaminess of food. In the ironworks, gas bubbles are typically injected into the liquid steel aiming at the slag foaming in Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF) and for the secondary metallurgy. Nowadays, iron and steelmaking are driven by sustainability awareness and the need for steel with enhanced properties. Therefore, the production of clean steel and energy efficiency are some of the major current challenges to the sector. In this regard, bubbles are straightly linked to these targets as they are applied to the removal of non-metallic inclusions by using ceramic purging plug bubblers and to foam the EAF slags. Considering the potential benefits to the steelmaking in deeply understanding the fundamentals of bubbles, the current project aims to study the design of more efficient ceramic purging plugs, the generation of bubbles on its surface, and the stabilization of bubbles using non-metallic particles, for both, the removal of inclusions and the slag foaming. This project will rely on established computational tools, like the CALPHAD approach and molecular dynamics, as well as on the development of algorithms after a critical review of the available models in the literature. The partnership with steelmaking and refractory industries will provide a technological approach, allowing the experimental validation of the novel achievements in a water model tank. (AU)