Abstract
Liquid zinc flow in a galvanising bath was numerically modelled for four cases, and flow field using three-dimensional views was analysed. Flow pattern analysis shows that there are two vortexes (circulations) close to the zinc flow surface and another two below them, which are attributed to strip movement and two guide rolls. Jets from air knives will generate high pressure and zinc backflow. Based on the results of the jets study, the impact of air knives on zinc flow in a galvanising bath was studied on the lengthwise and widthwise section views. It was found that high pressure and zinc backflow due to jets from air knives have little influence on the flow patterns far away from the strip outlet. It was also found that zinc backflow has little influence on the zinc flow surface far away from the strip outlet, while high pressure and zinc backflow together have some influence, that is, the jets of air knives can effectively influence the zinc flow around the strip outlet. This work lays the foundation for the optimisation of the galvanising process to improve the coating quality of steel strips.
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