Physical Modeling Study for Process Optimization of 300-ton RH Vacuum Refining Furnace

To investigate the optimal operating conditions of a 300-ton RH vacuum refining furnace in a steel mill, a physical model of a 1/4 scale RH furnace was developed in this paper. Under the condition of fixed pressure in the vacuum chamber, the immersion depth of the snorkel and the injection gas flow rate are important conditions affecting the effect of vacuum refining. The effects of snorkel immersion depth, injection gas flow rate, and blowhole blockage on circulating flow rate, the mixing time in ladle, and residence time in vacuum chamber were systematically studied. The flow behavior and the decarburization behavior of the liquid in the vacuum chamber were analyzed. The influence law of RH blowhole blockage on the vacuum refining effect was also studied. As a result, the optimum production process suitable for the production of 300-ton RH furnace was deduced (the optimal immersion depth is 0.52–0.54 m, the recommended injection flow rate used in the early stage of decarbonization is about 160–180 m³/h), which provides guidance for its efficient production.