DOI: 10.1615/ICHMT.1992.IntSympImgTranspProc
ISBN Print: 978-1-56700-012-2
IMAGE PROCESSING IN GAS-LIQUID-PARTICLE MIXING FLOW
SINOPSIS
In many instances, flow visualization provides a clue to the understanding of the mechanics of complex flows. Although the information obtained from this method is descriptive and qualitative, it may eventually lead to the development of theoretical models for analyzing the fluid flow phenomena. With the advent of image processing technique, one can now extract the quantitative information contained within flow visualization images. Results can be compared with those obtained by other experimental means [1, 2, 4−8].
The injection of powders into molten metals, called injection metallurgy, is of great importance in metallurgical refining operations. Typical applications include the desulphurization of iron or steel, the modification of inclusion morphology and composition, and the decarburization of steel by argon in combination with blowing practices [3, 9−12]. In such industrial injection processes, powders are pneumatically transported, and then injected into a molten metal through a submerged lance. The carrier gas, while rising as a plume to the free surface, induces circulatory flows in the fluid within the vessel, thereby helping to promote metal homogeneity.