Control of Molten CaO — Al2O3 Oxide Jets with Focus on Thermophysical Property Measurements and Some Limitations

A unique cross tube furnace was designed to focus on the study, development and control of molten oxide jets. The cross alumina tube along with a high speed camera arrangement facilitated observations of jet formation and break up at temperatures 1550 – 1700°C. The slag flow rate was controlled with the help of a nozzle-plunger system along with suitable back pressure of argon. Various phenomena like drop formation and pinch off, drop oscillation and jet breakup was observed. Surface tension of calcia-alumina slags with composition close to its eutectic was studied using dynamic methods like oscillating jet as well as elliptical jet technique. The values were observed to be comparable with existing literature as well as independent sessile drop measurements. The current paper discusses the jet technique for surface tension measurements as well as other dynamic phenomena involved during jet formation. It also discusses the effect of phenomena like wetting on the jet method.