Experimental study of liquid flow in blast furnace cohesive zone

A review of existing heat transfer and liquid flow models for the blast furnace indicated minimal consideration of liquid at its source, within the cohesive zone. Operational findings suggested that significant flow was present in this region. Cold model simulation of liquid flow around the cohesive zone was undertaken to examine its influence on permeability. Experiments were divided into three parts. In 'upflow' runs, the possibility of localised upward liquid movement without overall bed flooding was found plausible. In 'downflow' runs, liquid dropping through a simulated softening ore layer was found to be strongly influenced by pore size. Localised flooded regions (without overall bed flooding) could be formed, causing significant horizontal shifts in liquid flow. In 'multilayer' runs, a steady state condition could be established, with liquid flowing along the cohesive zone profile. Findings suggested that liquid has a significant influence on gas flow and heat transfer within the cohesive zone.