Enhancing rate of slag-metal reactions involving carbon in liquid iron

Abstract

A series of experiments on decarburisation and iron oxide reduction have been conducted over the past 10 years. Experiments have been recently conducted to demonstrate that the slag-metal reaction between iron oxide and solute carbon is electrochemical, and that the rate of this reaction can be increased by applying a dc voltage across the slag layer. Analysis of this phenomenon has resulted in a deeper understanding of the rate limiting processes. Current research on iron oxide reduction and decarburisation is aimed at studying the effect of reduced pressure and the effect of applied potential on the reaction rate, and the relationship between applied potential and current efficiency. Future research will focus on other oxide reduction reactions, and other reducing agents.