E. Baake, A. Jakovics, S. Pavlovs and M. Kirpo
The purpose of this paper is to present in‐depth numerical modelling of heat and mass exchange in industrial induction channel furnace (ICF).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present in‐depth numerical modelling of heat and mass exchange in industrial induction channel furnace (ICF).
Design/methodology/approach
The turbulent heat and mass exchange in the melt is calculated using a three‐dimensional (3D) electromagnetic model and a 3D transient large eddy simulation method. The simulation model has been verified by flow velocity and temperature measurements, which were carried out using an industrial sized channel inductor operating with Wood's metal as a low temperature model melt.
Findings
The ICF is well‐established for melting, holding and casting in the metallurgical industry. But there are still open questions regarding the heat and mass exchange in the inductor channel itself and between the channel and the melt bath. Different new designed channel geometries have been investigated numerically in order to find an optimized shape of the channel, which leads to an improved heat and mass transfer.
Originality/value
Long‐term computations for the industrial ICF have been performed. Low frequency oscillations of the temperature maximum and its position in the ICF channel are considered.
Details
Keywords
D. Cepīte, A. Jakovičs, B. Halbedel and U. Krieger
To develop the mathematical model, which allows predicting the temperature and flow distribution of an opaque glass melt with the temperature‐dependent properties in case it is…
Abstract
Purpose
To develop the mathematical model, which allows predicting the temperature and flow distribution of an opaque glass melt with the temperature‐dependent properties in case it is generated by electromagnetic and thermal convection. Analysis has been done for geometry of the model crucible with the immersed rod electrodes. Numerical analysis is used as a tool for finding out the parameters of the system, which allow getting desiderated homogeneity of temperature field by EM action.
Design/methodology/approach
ANSYS CFX software is implemented for coupling of EM, thermal and HD processes in the modelled system. Usability of non‐inductive approximation is shown using a full harmonic analysis in ANSYS.
Findings
External magnetic field can impact the temperature distribution in the whole volume of the melt significantly, it relocates the hottest zones and changes the maximal temperature in the melt. Qualitative agreement between the numerical and experimental results has been obtained. Dependence of the potential difference between the electrodes on the velocity and temperature range has been examined. Impact of different thermal boundary conditions has been analysed.
Research limitations/implications
Effects analysed in the publication occur in each conducting media subjected to the impact of simultaneous electrical and magnetical field. The main limitation is non‐transparency of the melt.
Practical implications
The purpose is to develop a mathematical tool for parameter optimisation of real glass melting furnace.
Originality/value
In the present model temperature dependent properties of the melt have been taken into account, which has been neglected in previous models.
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Keywords
A. Umbrashko, E. Baake, B. Nacke and A. Jakovics
Aims to present recent activities in experimental investigations and numerical modelling of the induction cold crucible installation.
Abstract
Purpose
Aims to present recent activities in experimental investigations and numerical modelling of the induction cold crucible installation.
Design/methodology/approach
Temperature and velocity measurements using thermocouples and electromagnetic velocity probes were performed in aluminium melt which was used as a model melt. Measured temperature field and flow pattern were compared with transient 3D calculations based on large eddy simulation (LES) turbulence modelling scheme. Numerical results are in good coincidence with the experimental data.
Findings
The modelling results show that only 3D transient LES is able to model correctly these heat and mass transfer processes.
Originality/value
It is revealed that transient 3D modelling provides a universal tool for simulating convective heat and mass transfer processes in the entire melt influenced by large scale instabilities in the recirculating flows, which contain several main vortexes of the mean flow.
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M. Kirpo, A. Jakovičs, B. Nacke and E. Baake
Aims to present recent activities in numerical modeling of turbulent transport processes in induction crucible furnace.
Abstract
Purpose
Aims to present recent activities in numerical modeling of turbulent transport processes in induction crucible furnace.
Design/methodology/approach
3D large eddy simulation (LES) method was applied for fluid flow modeling in a cylindrical container and transport of 30,000 particles was investigated with Lagrangian approach.
Findings
Particle accumulation near the side crucible boundary is determined mainly by the ρp/ρ ratio and according to the presented results. Particle settling velocity is of the same order as characteristic melt flow velocity. Particle concentration homogenization time depends on the internal flow regime. Separate particle tracks introduce very intensive mass exchange between the different parts of the melt in the whole volume of the crucible.
Originality/value
Transient simulation of particle transport together with LES fluid flow simulation gives the opportunity of accurate prediction of admixture concentartion distribution in the melt.
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Keywords
E. Baake, B. Nacke, A. Umbrashko and A. Jakovics
Experimental investigations of the turbulent flow velocities measured in the melt of experimental induction furnaces show, that beside the intensive local turbulence pulsations…
Abstract
Experimental investigations of the turbulent flow velocities measured in the melt of experimental induction furnaces show, that beside the intensive local turbulence pulsations, macroscopic low‐frequency oscillations of the recirculated toroidal main flow eddies play an important role in the heat and mass exchange processes. Traditional numerical calculations of the flow and transfer processes, based on wide spread commercial codes using various modifications of the k‐ε turbulence model show that these models do not take into account the low‐frequency oscillations of the melt flow and the calculated temperature and concentration distributions in the melt essentially differs from experimental results. Therefore, the melt flow dynamics in an induction crucible furnace was numerically simulated with help of transient three‐dimensional calculations using the large eddy simulation turbulence model. This leads to a good agreement between calculated and measured periods of low‐frequency oscillations and heat and mass transfer between the toroidal flow eddies.
Details
Keywords
V. Geža, A. Jakovičs, U. Krieger and B. Halbedel
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the outlet of a special glass melting system, which is used to control melt flow and modify flow pattern.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the outlet of a special glass melting system, which is used to control melt flow and modify flow pattern.
Design/methodology/approach
Numerical calculations in ANSYS and ANSYS CFX were used to study electromagnetic, thermal, hydrodynamic and chemical mixing processes, results are validated by comparison with experimental data.
Findings
Obtained results show that investigated approach can improve glass melt chemical homogeneity significantly – Lorentz force driven melt movement in conjunction with diffusion process ensures good mixing quality.
Research limitations/implications
The mixing in glass melt is present only in azimuthal direction (in cylindrical coordinate system associated with outlet tube axis) but the radial homogenization is determined by diffusion only.
Practical implications
The experiments in JSJ GmbH with soda lime glass were successful and showed mixing effect in output material, thus providing additional method for glass production.
Originality/value
Although the electrical conductivity of glass is very low, the melt motion is generated by EM forces in this equipment, thus this approach is innovative in glass production technology where typical motion source is buoyancy or mechanical mixing.
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Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to compare k‐ω shear‐stress transport (SST) and large eddy simulation (LES) turbulence model application effect on numerical computation of flow…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to compare k‐ω shear‐stress transport (SST) and large eddy simulation (LES) turbulence model application effect on numerical computation of flow pattern and heat exchange characteristics through the neutron beam window region for European spallation source setup model.
Design/methodology/approach
Transient hydrodynamic and thermal calculations with appropriate heat sources are performed using both turbulence models and typical discrepancies in flow and thermal patterns are discussed, as well as, simulation results are qualitatively compared with experimental data for heat transfer coefficient distribution α at the window surface.
Findings
Contribution of greater k‐energy field obtained with LES calculation leads to prediction of more intensive heat transfer in comparison to k‐ω SST.
Originality/value
The paper illustrates discrepancies of thermal patterns caused by application of k‐ω SST and LES turbulent models.
Details
Keywords
A. Umbrasko, E. Baake, B. Nacke and A. Jakovics
Aims to present recent activities in numerical modeling of cold crucible melting process.
Abstract
Purpose
Aims to present recent activities in numerical modeling of cold crucible melting process.
Design/methodology/approach
3D numerical analysis was used for electromagnetic problem and 3D large eddy simulation (LES) method was applied for fluid flow modeling.
Findings
The comparative modeling shows, that higher H/D ratio of the melt is more efficient when total power consumption is considered, but this advantage is held back by higher heat losses through the crucible walls. Also, calculations reveal that lower frequencies, which are energetically less effective, provide better mixing of the melt.
Originality/value
3D electromagnetic model, which allows to take into account non‐symmetrical distribution of Joule heat sources, together with transient LES fluid flow simulation gives the opportunity of accurate prediction of temperature distribution in the melt.
Details
Keywords
Sergejs Pavlovs, Andris Jakovičs and Alexander Chudnovsky
The purpose of this paper is the study of the electro-vortex flow (EVF) as well as heating and melting processes for mini industrial direct current electric arc furnace (DC EAF).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is the study of the electro-vortex flow (EVF) as well as heating and melting processes for mini industrial direct current electric arc furnace (DC EAF).
Design/methodology/approach
A mini DC EAF was designed, manufactured and installed to study the industrial processes of heating and melting a small amount of melt, being 4.6 kg of steel in the case under study. Numerical modelling of metal melting was performed using the enthalpy and porosity approach at equal values and non-equal values of the solidus and liquidus temperatures of the metal. The EVF of the liquid phase of metal was computed using the large eddy simulation model of turbulence. Melt temperature measurements were made using an infrared camera and a probe with a thermocouple sensor. The melt speed was estimated by observing the movement of particles at the top surface of melt.
Findings
The thermal flux for metal heating and melting, which is supplied through an arc spot at the top surface of metal, is estimated using the thermal balance of the furnace at melting point. The melting time was estimated using numerical modelling of heating and melting of metal. The process started at room temperature and finished once whole volume of metal was molten. The evolution of the solid/melt phase boundary as well as evolution of EVF patterns of the melt was studied.
Originality/value
Numerical studies of heating and melting processes in metal were performed in the case of intensive liquid phase turbulent circulation due to the Lorentz force in the melt, which results from the interaction of electrical current with a self-magnetic field.
Details
Keywords
To provide a selective bibliography for researchers and graduate students who have an interest in induction processes applied to the electromagnetic processing of materials.
Abstract
Purpose
To provide a selective bibliography for researchers and graduate students who have an interest in induction processes applied to the electromagnetic processing of materials.
Design/methodology/approach
The objective is to provide references that identify seminal, early work, and references that represent the current state of the art. References are listed in categories that cover the broad range of induction modeling and application issues.
Findings
A brief overview of the key areas in induction processing of materials is provided, but greater emphasis and space is devoted to the references provided.
Research limitations/implications
The middle years of each topic area are not covered.
Practical implications
A very comprehensive coverage of material is provided to those with an interest in induction processing of materials.
Originality/value
This paper fulfils an identified information/resources need.