Numerical simulation of unsteady-state particle dispersion in ferroalloy workshop

Abstract

Fluent software was used to simulate the unsteady-state two-phase flow of particle dispersion during tapping in a workshop with a ferroalloy furnace. The gas phase was studied using the Euler coordinate system, and the motion of every solid particle was described using the Lagrange system with a discrete phase model. The concentration distribution and residence time of the particles was obtained by simulation under different conditions. The results showed that particles spread to every corner of the workshop with no wind. Ventilation can significantly reduce the particle content of the workshop. When tapping lasts for at least 720 s, the particle content of the workshop with no wind was 3.8 times more than that under north wind conditions (with a speed of 0.2 m/s). The north wind condition can be more effective to remove the particles than the south wind. The maximum residence time of a particle was only 780 s when the speed of the north wind was more than 2 m/s. A greater wind velocity would provide a better dispersion of particles and not conducive to particle deposition. Further investigation into the effects of particle size and density on particle flow patterns and dedusting would be necessary to reduce occupational exposure to fine particles in the foundry workshop.