Modelling of slag foaming

Abstract

In this work, silicone oils of different viscosities were used to simulate slag foaming. The experimental results showed that the variations of foaming height with superficial gas velocity and liquid viscosity do not show simple increasing trends. At a constant viscosity, foaming height increased first and then started decreasing with increasing superficial velocity. Similarly, a maximum foaming height was observed at an optimum viscosity when a constant gas flowrate was applied. The foaming height started decreasing with further increasing viscosity. Based on the experimental data, a semiempirical equation of foaming height was developed. The predictions of the model agreed well with experimental data. The model could also reasonably well explain the industrial pilot trial experiments. The experimental results with paraffin particle additions indicated that a small amount of particle addition moved the onset of foaming to lower superficial velocity. However, the increase in viscosity due to the presence of solid particles was found not the main reason for the increase in foaming height.