Temperature Field Distribution of Graphite Condenser in Vacuum Carbothermal Reduction: A Simulation Study

The time evolution of temperature field distribution of the graphite condenser,in the shape of a truncated hollow-cone connected to outer-edge of U-slot ring(resembling savarin-mold),was reasonably approximated,theoretically analyzed and numerically simulated with Comsol Multiphysics software.The influence of the furnace environment on the temperature field was investigated.The results show that the variables,including but not limited to the water-cooling capacity,condenser geometry,thermal insulation of crucible and furnace,all have a major impact.For example,on reaching thermal equilibrium,the simulated data included: a reduction of the largest temperature difference from 832 to 429 K,a decrease of temperature-gradient from 44 to 24 K/cm,a drop of the highest temperature in U-slot from 928 to 763 K,and a decreased holding temperature of 625 K at the center of U-slot ring.We suggest that the simulated results be of some technological interest in vacuum metallurgy.