Thermodynamic simulation of slag–refractories interactions in innovative slag-splashing processes in converters

Abstract

The innovative slag-splashing process in converters enables the reuse of CO2. However, the changes in slag–refractories interactions after applying the new technique are not yet clear. In this work, an approach was developed to thermodynamically simulate the slag–refractories interactions in slag-splashing processes. Firstly, the simulation was validated. Subsequently, the differences in traditional and innovative slag-splashing processes were compared, and the effects of slag carbon addition, CO2 consumption, and refractories composition on slag–refractories interactions were investigated. It was found that after applying the new technique, the mass of the high-melting-point solid solution increased, and the liquid slag had a better bonding effect on the refractories and the external mechanical bonding layer. Increasing the slag carbon addition and CO2 consumption both led to an increase in high-melting-point solid solution. However, increasing the slag carbon addition favoured the bonding of liquid slag to the refractories, while increasing the CO2 consumption weakened the bonding ability of the liquid slag. The increase of C in MgO–C refractories resulted in an increase in Fe and CO production. Due to the deterioration of slag wettability on refractories, the increase in C is detrimental to the converter slag-splashing process.