Numerical simulation of inclusion movement in electroslag remelting process

A comprehensive three- dimensional mathematical model, which adopted the Euler- Lagrange approach, was developed to study the motion of inclusions in electroslag remelting (ESR) process. The gravity, buoyancy, drag, added mass, lift and electromagnetic pressure forces were taken into account for the solution of inclusion trajectories. Due to the great difference between the conductivity of non- metallic inclusion and molten metal, the non- metallic inclusion would be drove to migrate to the mold wall by the electromagnetic pressure force. The movement behavior and removal rate of inclusions with different diameters were investigated in detail while the current ranged from 1200A to 1800A. The results show that more than 90% inclusions are captured by the top surface of the slag pool and the slag/mold wall. Only a small part of the inclusions are still suspended in the slag, and less than 4% inclusions would pass through slag/metal interface and enter into the metal pool. The removal rate of inclusions with larger diameter is higher than that of smaller diameter in the remelting process. With the increase of the current intensity, the removal rates of the inclusions with all diameters increase.