Studies of interface deformations in single- and multi-layered liquid baths due to an impinging gas jet

An impinging gas jet on a molten bath having a slag layer on top is encountered in various metal processing operations. The impinging region was studied using a physical model consisting of an air jet and water bath. Kerosene and corn oil were used as the second layer to investigate the role of the slag layer properties on interface shape and bath circulation. The interface shapes were measured both photographically and by using a surface-tracking resistance probe. The limiting condition at which the jet breaks through the kerosene or corn oil layer and reaches the water layer was determined experimentally. A phenomenological model for the prediction of penetration depth is developed for both short and long jet heights for liquid baths with and without a second liquid layer on top.