CFD modelling of fluid flow in a Peirce–Smith converter with more than one injection point

Copper converting is mainly conducted in Peirce–Smith converters. Extensive work has been conducted to understand fluid flow phenomena as air is injected into molten mattes. High momentum must be transferred from the gas to the melt in order to refine the metal. In this work, we present a CFD analysis of gas injection with one and three tuyeres. Results show that by increasing the number of injection points, the flow pattern within the converter change considerably. Such changes result in the development of large recirculation zones and localised eddy formation. Additionally, it was found that the gas plumes in the melt are asymmetrical thus flow paths constantly interfere between themselves. Bubbling–jetting transition is found to be better represented by the Kutateladze number.