Optimization Study on Protrusion Length of Delivery Tube in EIGA Based on CFD

doi:10.12068/j.issn.1005-3026.2024.09.005

Abstract

Abstract:

A computational fluid dynamics （CFD） approach was developed to simulate the EIGA （electrode induction melting gas atomization） with different protrusion lengths of delivery tube. The effect of the protrusion length of delivery tube on the flow field structure and powder particle size was analyzed. The results show that when the protrusion length is 0 mm， the maximum velocity in the recirculation zone is 335 m/s， and the expansion wave cluster at the gas outlet increased significantly， resulting in backflow phenomenon. With the increase of the protrusion length （1~4 mm）， the length of the recirculation zone gradually increases， and the average particle size of the alloy powder prepared first decreases and then increases. The maximum suction pressure is achieved at 2 and 3 mm of protrusion length of delivery tube， which is beneficial to the secondary fragmentation of liquid droplets. When the protrusion length is 2 mm， the particle size distribution of the powders shows a normal distribution， and the median diameter （d₅₀） of the powders is 84 μm， which is the most uniform particle size distribution and the narrowest particle size range.

Key words: electrode induction melting gas atomization （EIGA）, delivery tube, flow field structure, recirculation zone, particle size distribution

CLC Number:

TB 126

Kuai-kuai GUO, Jian-zhong LI, Chang-sheng LIU. Optimization Study on Protrusion Length of Delivery Tube in EIGA Based on CFD[J]. Journal of Northeastern University(Natural Science), 2024, 45(9): 1252-1257.

Figures/Tables 9

Fig.1 Structure diagram of atomizer

Fig.2 Numerical simulation computational domain and boundary conditions

Table 1 Physical properties of titanium alloy （TC4） and argon

物质	密度	黏度	表面张力	比热容	热导率
物质	kg·m^-3	kg·s·m^-2	N·m^-1	J·(kg·K)^-1	W·(m·K)^-1
钛合金	4 500	2.0×10^{- 5}	1.588	812	25.8
氩气	ideal?gas	2.125×10^{- 5}	—	520.64	0.015 8

Fig.3 Velocity contours of recirculation zone with different protrusion lengths of delivery tube

Fig.4 Axial velocities along the center of the computational domain with different protrusion lengths of delivery tube

Fig.5 Axial pressures along the center of the computational domain with different protrusion lengths of delivery tube

Fig.6 Back flow phenomenon in the process of EIGA

Fig.7 Particle size distributions of powders prepared under different protrusion lengths of delivery tube

Fig.8 Cumulative particle size distribution of powders prepared under different protrusion lengths of delivery tube

References 15

1	Hohmann M， Pleier S.Production methods and applications for high‑quality metal powders and sprayformed products［J］.Acta Metallurgica Sinica，2005，18（1）：15-23.
2	Zhao B， Xia M， Wang J F，et al.Numerical simulation and experimental study on production of high‑speed steel powder by high‑frequency induction melting gas atomization［J］.Metallurgical Research & Technology，2022，119（5）：509.
3	苏才津，孙耀宁，董开基，等.导流管参数对真空紧耦合气雾化法制备Fe-Cr合金粉末的影响［J］.粉末冶金技术，2024，42（1）：68-74.
	Su Cai‑jin， Sun Yao‑ning， Dong Kai‑ji，et al.Effect of melt delivery nozzle parameters on Fe-Cr alloy powders prepared by vacuum close‑coupled gas atomization［J］.Powder Metallurgy Technology，2024，42（1）：68-74.
4	Ma Y， Bao J F， Hu Y，et al.The impact of vacuum atomization parameters on the particle size distribution and morphology［J］.Thermal Spray Technology，2014，6（1）：45.
5	Dawes J， Bowerman R， Trepleton R.Introduction to the additive manufacturing powder metallurgy supply chain［J］.Johnson Matthey Technology Review，2015，59（3）：243-256.
6	Wei M W， Chen S Y， Sun M，et al.Atomization simulation and preparation of 24CrNiMoY alloy steel powder using VIGA technology at high gas pressure［J］.Powder Technology，2020，367：724-739.
7	Beckers D， Ellendt N， Fritsching U，et al.Impact of process flow conditions on particle morphology in metal powder production via gas atomization［J］.Advanced Powder Technology，2020，31（1）：300-311.
8	Xia M， Wang P， Zhang X H，et al.Computational fluid dynamic investigation of the primary and secondary atomization of the free‑fall atomizer in electrode induction melting gas atomization process［J］.Acta Physica Sinica，2018，67（17）：170201.
9	Park J M， Na T W， Park H K，et al.Preparation and characterization of spherical niobium silicide‑based powder particles by electrode induction gas atomization［J］.Materials Letters，2019，243：5-8.
10	Zeoli N， Gu S.Computational simulation of metal droplet break‑up，cooling and solidification during gas atomization ［J］.Computational Materials Science，2008，43（2）：268-278.
11	Mi J， Figliola R S， Anderson I E.A numerical simulation of gas flow field effects on high pressure gas atomization due to operating pressure variation［J］.Materials Science and Engineering：A，1996，208（1）：20-29.
12	Ünal R.The influence of the pressure formation at the tip of the melt delivery tube on tin powder size and gas/melt ratio in gas atomization method［J］.Journal of Materials Processing Technology，2006，180（1/2/3）：291-295.
13	宗伟，罗浩，周晚珠，等.雾化气体压力及导流管伸长量对导流管顶端压力的影响［J］.材料研究与应用，2016，10（2）：111-115.
	Zong Wei， Luo Hao， Zhou Wan‑zhu，et al.Effect of atomization pressure and protrusion length on delivery tube tap pressure［J］.Materials Research and Application，2016，10（2）：111-115.
14	Wang J F， Xia M， Wu J L，et al.Ladle nozzle clogging in vacuum induction melting gas atomization：influence of the melt viscosity［J］.Metallurgical and Materials Transactions B，2022，53（4）：2386-2397.
15	赵新明，徐骏，朱学新，等.超音速气雾化中导液管突出长度对气体流场的影响［J］.中国有色金属学报，2009，19（5）：967-973.
	Zhao Xin‑ming， Xu Jun， Zhu Xue‑xin，et al.Effect of protrusion length of melt delivery tube on gas flow field for supersonic gas atomization［J］.The Chinese Journal of Nonferrous Metals，2009，19（5）：967-973.

[1]	Kai-li XU, Xi-meng CHEN, Bo LIU. Experimental Study on Explosion Characteristics of Oolong Tea Dust [J]. Journal of Northeastern University(Natural Science), 2024, 45(7): 1057-1064.
[2]	WANG Ze-hong， TIAN Peng-cheng， MAO Yong. Effects of Grinding Aids Glycerol and Sodium Pyrophosphate on Kinetic Parameters of Quartz Grinding [J]. Journal of Northeastern University(Natural Science), 2023, 44(7): 1009-1018.
[3]	ZHAO Fei-xiang， CHI Shi-chun. A Simulation Method for Particle Breakage with Random Fragment Size Based on Discrete Element Method [J]. Journal of Northeastern University(Natural Science), 2023, 44(3): 408-414.
[4]	WANG Nai-ling， LU Ji-wei， XU Xin-yang， JIANG Yan-xin. Study on Process Mineralogy of Flake Graphite Ore in Ping’an County Jixi City， Heilongjiang Province [J]. Journal of Northeastern University(Natural Science), 2023, 44(12): 1785-1790.
[5]	YANG You-jian， QI Jun-feng， PANG Xiao-juan， WANG Zhao-wen. Analysis of Attrition Index of the Smelter Grade Alumina Particle [J]. Journal of Northeastern University(Natural Science), 2021, 42(6): 801-806.
[6]	GUO Kuai-kuai， SHANG Shuo， CHEN Jin， LIU Chang-sheng. Numerical Simulation of Influence of Atomization Pressure on Particle Size of GH4169 Alloy Powders [J]. Journal of Northeastern University Natural Science, 2020, 41(6): 807-811.
[7]	GUO Kuai-kuai， CHEN Jin， LIU Chang-sheng， CHEN Sui-yuan. Numerical Simulation of the Intersection Angle Influence on Atomization Process of Powders Produced by VIGA [J]. Journal of Northeastern University Natural Science, 2020, 41(5): 729-735.
[8]	KANG Yue， LIU Chao， ZHANG Yu-zhu， JIANG Mao-fa. Properties of Glass Beads Prepared by Gas Quenching of Blast Furnace Slag [J]. Journal of Northeastern University Natural Science, 2019, 40(2): 202-206.
[9]	XIE Yuan-hua， MEI Jian， WANG Jie， ZHU Tong. Experimental Study on Disintegration of Excess Sludge by Explosive Shock Wave [J]. Journal of Northeastern University Natural Science, 2018, 39(3): 446-450.
[10]	HAO Wen-ge， LIU Sai， ZHANG Xin-an， CAI Ji-ying. Superfine Dust Removal Performance in Vertically Quadrate Wet Electrostatic Precipitation [J]. Journal of Northeastern University Natural Science, 2017, 38(11): 1637-1642.
[11]	LI Dong， YIN Wan-zhong， MA Ying-qiang， YAO Jin. Effects of Particle Size Distribution on Hematite Flotation [J]. Journal of Northeastern University Natural Science, 2016, 37(6): 865-868.
[12]	LI Zhi-hang， HAN Yue-xin， GAO Peng， YING Ping. Research on Processing Mineralogical Characterization of the Paigeite Ore [J]. Journal of Northeastern University Natural Science, 2016, 37(2): 258-262.