Study of the Flow Dynamics of Raceway formed in a 2-D Physical Model under Non-reactive and Room Temperature conditions through PIV Measurements

The raceway is responsible for producing most of the reducing gases in the blast furnace. In addition, the size and shape of the raceway determines the movement of solids within the blast furnace and the distribution of gases and liquids (slag and metal), setting the location where the primary chemical reactions occur and the temperature profile in the lower part of the blast furnace.

The flow dynamics in a raceway has considerable influence on the reduction characteristics of the blast furnace. This phenomenon needs to be understood thoroughly to make meaningful predictions of the blast furnace behavior. In our present study an attempt is made to study the flow dynamics of a raceway formed in a 2-D physical model under non-reactive and room temperature conditions through PIV measurements. A physical model is developed and experiments are being conducted through endoscopic measurements.

Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), has now emerged as an important tool for flow visualization studies. Presently, the PIV is being used automobile and aircraft sectors for fluid flow visualization studies. NML is perhaps the first to try, and make use of PIV to study the flow dynamics in the raceway.

General setup of a 2D PIV System	Schematic of Physical model
Fig. (a) Packed bed	Fig. (b) Formation of the void
The Figures  (a) and (b) illustrate the void formation at different stages.