CFD Modeling of Multiphase Flow in an SKS Furnace: The Effect of Tuyere Arrangements

Abstract The emerging bottom blown copper smelting (SKS) technology has attracted growing interest since it came into production. To further reveal the agitation behavior inside bath and optimize variable parameters, CFD simulation was conducted on a scaled down SKS furnace model with different tuyere arrangements. Multi-Fluid VOF used for first time in simulated results show good agreement an experimental water reported literature, terms of plume shape surface wave. It found that low velocity region would appear opposite side bubble persisted long time. enhance reduce dead zone area, arrangement tuyeres installed at each recommended. Results suggested smaller angle difference help to strengthen system. However, investigation indicated between two rows should be limited within certain range balance requirements higher efficiency longer lining refractory lifespan.