Apparent Viscosity Measurement of Solid-liquid Coexisting Fluid by Falling Ball Method for Evaluation Iron Particle Sedimentation Velocity in Slag

Iron droplet that entrapped in the refining slag reduces the yield of iron, so it is necessary to accurately estimate the settling rate of iron particle in the slag. However, since slag is a solid-liquid coexisting fluid, the sedimentation rate of iron particle cannot be derived even using the Stokes’ equation based on the viscosity of the liquid phase. In this study, using silicone oil in which polyethylene particles were suspended as a slag substitute sample, the sedimentation rate of stainless steel balls was measured, and the apparent viscosity was derived with the Stokes method. The effects of the viscosity of the silicone oil, the solid phase ratio, and the diameter of the metal balls on this apparent viscosity were investigated. It was confirmed that the apparent viscosity changes depending on the diameter of the descending metal balls.