Some considerations in process design for better ladle metallurgy practice

The paper presents some practical strategies for the design of gas-stirring operations in Ladle Metallurgy. With the aid of recent mathematical models of the spout and ladle eye, possible improvements in process design and operational practice to achieve better performance are discussed. The models have been implemented in a framework of simple non-dimensional parameters representing the primary operating conditions of the ladle. These are used to estimate design parameters such as the free board allowance and critical gas flow rates. Moreover, methodologies are presented to prepare a set of operating charts that delineate the safe operational regimes in single-plug gas-stirring to minimize metal splashing and ladle eye/wall interactions. The charts aid the selection of proper conditions as well as the design of stirring operations in ladles.