A Novel Kinematic Model for Molten Slag Fiberization: Prediction of Slag Fiber Properties

The current study developed a novel kinematic model describing the molten slag fiberization process with a purpose of understanding the slag wool preparation. A reasonable predictive model to describe the diameter and length of slag fiber in commercial fiber making process is necessary because the length-to-diameter ratio has a huge impact on the thermal insulation performance, which will contribute to energy conservation. The current model was established based on melt droplet kinematics under relevant hypotheses. Through this model, changes in fiber dimensions with slag viscosity and rotational speed of spinning wheel have been systematically investigated to determine the optimized technological parameters. To verify the model, experiments were carried out and the results were in good agreement with the predicted values. Thus, the current model can serve as a useful guide for the industrial production of slag wool.