Desiliconisation and dephosphorisation behaviours of various oxygen sources in hot metal pre-treatment

Abstract

In order to obtain a better understanding of the efficiencies of desiliconisation and dephosphorisation reactions during hot metal pretreatment in an open ladle, a number of simulation experiments were carried out with various oxygen sources. Three types of solid oxygen materials (sintered return ore, scale briquette and fine mill scale) were carefully investigated as hot metal pre-treatment agents, evaluating their desiliconisation and dephosphorisation efficiencies. The method applied for supplying gaseous oxygen was also assessed. The comparison between top blowing and injection methods indicated that injected oxygen gas is more advantageous for desiliconisation, while top-blown oxygen gas is favourable for dephosphorisation. The obtained information on the characteristics of gaseous oxygen can be used for the optimisation of blowing patterns, in order to improve the efficiency of the hot metal pre-treatment.