Effect of Interaction Area on the Thermodynamics and Kinetic Modelling of BOF Converter

Philip Bundschuh, Johannes Schenk, Stephanie Schütt, Axel Sormann, Harald Panhofer

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The simulation of basic oxygen furnace process (BOF) deals with several complex physical and chemical phenomena.
An exact model allows the optimization of the tap to tap time which reduces the operation costs and increases the productivity of
the steel plant. Based on several assumptions a new model for BOF converter has been developed with the program MatLab®. A
thermodynamic and kinetic background makes it possible to simulate the behavior of elements in metal and slag. The converter
steelmaking process is described by using one reaction zone as a heterogeneous thermodynamic system. Nearly all components
can be conveyed between slag and metal phase as a result of simultaneous oxidation-reduction reactions on the interaction surface.
Carbon is an exception due to carbon monoxide which is the oxidation product and is transferred to the gas phase.
This paper deals mainly with the effect of the interfacial surface on the rate of chemical reactions between metal and formed slag.
The first assumption of the contact area is based on the converter geometry. Further considerations include the viscosity of the formed
slag and the change of the reaction area caused by the formation of droplets in the emulsions phase of the blowing process. The rate
limiting step of the reactions in the converter are based on material transport due to the high temperatures meanwhile the blowing. A
comparison of both assumptions presents the importance of an optimal description of the interaction area.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of The 6th International Congress on the Science and Technology of Steelmaking
PublisherChina Mashine Press
Pages151 - 154
Number of pages4
Publication statusPublished - 12 May 2015
EventICS2015 - Beijing, China
Duration: 12 May 201514 May 2015

Conference

ConferenceICS2015
Country/TerritoryChina
CityBeijing
Period12/05/1514/05/15

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