TY  - EJOU
AU  - Wang, Li-Li 
AU  - Qin, Hong-Xing 
AU  - Dong, Nan 

TI  - Numerical Simulation of the Atomization Process for Blast Furnace Slag Granulation
T2  - Fluid Dynamics \& Materials Processing

PY  - 2025
VL  - 21
IS  - 6
SN  - 1555-2578

AB  - The so-called close-coupled gas atomization process involves melting a metal and using a high-pressure gas jet positioned close to the melt stream to rapidly break it into fine, spherical powder particles. This technique, adapted for blast furnace slag granulation using a circular seam nozzle, typically aims to produce solid slag particles sized 30–140 µm, thereby allowing the utilization of slag as a resource. This study explores the atomization dynamics of liquid blast furnace slag, focusing on the effects of atomization pressure. Primary atomization is simulated using a combination of the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method and the Shear Stress Transport k-ω turbulence model, while secondary atomization is analyzed through the Discrete Phase Model (DPM). The results reveal that primary atomization progresses in three stages: the slag column transforms into an umbrella-shaped liquid film, whose leading edge fragments into particles while forming a cavity-like structure, which is eventually torn into ligaments. This primary deformation is driven by the interplay of airflow velocity in the recirculation zone and the guide tube outlet pressure (Fp). Increasing the atomization pressure amplifies airflow velocity, recirculation zone size, expansion and shock waves, though the guide tube outlet pressure variations remain irregular. Notably, at 4.5 MPa, the primary deformation is most pronounced. Secondary atomization yields finer slag particles as a result of more vigorous primary atomization. For this pressure, the smallest average particle size and the highest yield of particles within the target range (30–140 µm) are achieved.
KW  - Blast furnace slag granulation; close-coupled gas atomization; atomization pressure; atomization process

DO  - 10.32604/fdmp.2025.061154