Trajectory of Top-Dross Particles During the Melting of Zinc Ingot in Galvanizing Pot

The production of hot-dip galvanized steel presents great challenges, because it is currently the main raw material in the manufacturing of automobiles, and its surface quality is fundamental for the construction of automobiles. Obtaining the best surface appearance in galvanized steels is directly related to understanding the phenomena involved in the galvanizing process. In this process, achieving thermal and chemical stability of the galvanizing pot means keeping top-dross formation under control. The top-dross is the main problem to be controlled, because it impacts the surface quality of coated steel. Some studies have been conducted to understand the formation of top-dross particles into the zinc bath, but little is known about the path of the particles formed from the melting ingots. In this study, the trajectories of these particles were simulated. It has been found that, depending on the immersion depth, dross particles may have different destinations.

Keywords:
Computational Simulation; Mathematical Model; Hot Galvanizing; Dross