A numerical simulation study for the zone refining processes of cadmium and tellurium

This article presents the results of a three-dimensional numerical simulation study carried out for a three-zone refiner system. Firstly, an overall thermal analysis was performed to study the effects of changes in the size of the ZR system. A complete mass, heat, and momentum transport model was then developed for this system, and the fluid flow and impurity concentration distributions in a single molten zone were studied. A parametric study was also carried out to obtain the most favourable freezing interfaces and molten zone sizes. The flow field in the molten zone was studied to determine its effect on impurity transport.