Phosphorus Distribution between Liquid Iron and Magnesia-Saturated Slag in H₂/H₂O Atmosphere Relevant to a Novel Ironmaking Technology

Abstract

As a part of a research project that aims to develop a novel ironmaking process using hydrogen flash reduction of iron ore concentrate, experimental determination of the phosphorus distribution ratio ( L P ) between CaO–MgO (saturated) –SiO 2 –Al 2 O 3 –FeO slag and molten iron was determined in the temperature range 1550–1650 °C. Oxygen partial pressure was controlled by H 2 /H 2 O equilibrium in the range of 10 –10 –10 –8 atm. Under these conditions applicable to the proposed process, L P was 9–21. The proposed process is expected to produce iron with phosphorus content 7–14 times lower than in the iron produced by the blast furnace, considering the relative amounts of phosphorus inputs in the two processes and the low P content in the slag under the blast furnace conditions. This will decrease the need for dephosphorization in the steelmaking stage.