Development perspectives of metal gas-dynamic stirring in a ladle with a side lance application

Blow-off of a liquid metal bath through a lance, located in the bottom part of a ladle wall, is usually considered as one of well-known long time ago variant of steel refining in ladle. However, despite a wide repute and availability of a series of advantages, the technology was not widely spread. An estimation of stirring efficiency and splashes formation at different variants of compressed air supply made. The studies were done at a transparent water model with a color indicator application. It was determined, that upper and bottom lances shifting relating to ladle symmetry axle promotes the stirring intensification and simultaneous decrease of splashes height. The best results were obtained at the simultaneous utilization of asymmetrically located submerged lance and a side lance, oriented in gas-liquid flow direction in the bottom part of the vessel. The side lance is more preferable in maintenance, since for them a ladle fringe is not required as in the case with bottom lances, it is not subjected to falling metal stream action as well as to metal and slag residuals action after tapping finishing. It is possible to provide an improvement of stirring conditions and metal tapping by shifting and inclination of a side lance. Industrial tests showed, that a facility for metal blow off through porous insertions, installed in ladle wall, have a high throughput ability, provide a reliable operation within a course of ladle lining campaign without intermediate repair. It does not require capital outlays and can be recommended for industrial application.