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Suppression of slag foaming by a sound wave
S V Komarov1, M Kuwabara, M Sano
1Institute for Advanced Materials Processing, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan. komazov@iamp.tohoku.ac.jp
Ultrasonics Sonochemistry
|November 4, 2000
Summary
Low-frequency sound waves effectively suppress slag foaming by increasing liquid drainage and film rupture. A threshold sound pressure, dependent on frequency and viscosity, causes a sharp decrease in steady-state foam height.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Acoustics
Background:
- Slag foaming is a significant challenge in metallurgical processes, impacting efficiency and safety.
- Understanding the factors influencing slag foam stability is crucial for process optimization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of sound frequency, intensity, and liquid viscosity on slag foaming.
- To determine the relationship between acoustic parameters and steady-state foam height.
Main Methods:
- Experiments were conducted using barium borate (BaO-B2O3) slags at 1223-1273 K and water-glycerin solutions at room temperature.
- The effects of low (< 1.3 kHz) and high (1.3-12 kHz) frequency sound waves were analyzed.
- Sound pressure thresholds for foam height reduction were identified.
Main Results:
- Low-frequency sound (< 1.3 kHz) demonstrated greater effectiveness in suppressing slag foaming compared to high frequencies.
- A critical sound pressure threshold was observed, leading to an abrupt decrease in steady-state foam height.
- The observed effects are attributed to sound-induced enhancement of liquid drainage and film rupture.
Conclusions:
- Acoustic manipulation offers a viable method for controlling slag foaming.
- Sound frequency and intensity play critical roles in foam suppression, with low frequencies being more effective.
- Liquid viscosity significantly influences the sound pressure threshold required for foam reduction.