This study presents a numerical simulation framework for Ruhrstahl–Heraeus (RH) refining that resolves fluid flow and gas transport in a vacuum-degassing unit, with emphasis on applications for high-quality steels such as stainless grades. Rather than relying on conventional 3D geometric modeling, the fluid domains inside the RH vessel are specified programmatically, streamlining pre-processing and markedly reducing setup time, especially for irregular boundaries. Relative to standard workflows, the framework offers higher computational efficiency and broader applicability. Credibility was established through mesh-independent analysis to select an optimal grid, followed by quantitative validation against physical experiments. In those experiments, vacuum-chamber liquid levels of 80 mm, 100 mm, and 120 mm were paired with gas flow rates of 12.9 L/min, 32.25 L/min, and 51.6 L/min, respectively. Predicted circulation rates and velocity fields closely matched measurements, confirming robustness. Parametric studies across gas flow settings show that 32.25 L/min yields the most favorable circulation, thereby facilitating more effective inclusion removal. Additional evaluation of the downcomer velocity reproduced the measured upward–downward trend, further supporting model fidelity. Overall, the proposed framework accurately and efficiently captures RH-refining behavior and provides a practical basis for process optimization and control in industrial operations.
Li et al. (Wed,) studied this question.