Effect of Interphase Forces on Gas-Liquid Multiphase Flow in RH Degasser

A mathematical model was developed to study the gas-liquid flow behavior in the Ruhrstahl-Heraeus (RH) degasser by using the Euler-Euler approach, and the effects of different combinations of interphase forces on the circulation flow rate as well as the distribution of the gas volume fraction were investigated. The results showed that the model predictions correspond with the measured values. As a key factor in avoiding the gas-adhering wall effect, the virtual mass force has a tremendous impact on the circulation flow rate and distribution of the gas volume fraction. The contribution of the turbulent dispersion force on the circulation flow rate is insignificant, but it shows a significant effect on the distribution of the gas volume fraction. Furthermore, the effect of the wall lubrication force and the lift force on gas-liquid flow is negligible when compared with the virtual mass and turbulent dispersion forces.