Analysis of Reaction Rate between Solid Carbon and Molten Iron by Mathematical Models

Abstract

The factors affecting the carbon dissolution rate into liquid iron and the interdependency between these rate influencing factors were discussed with aid of a kinetic model. These rate influencing factors include temperature, carbon structure, interfacial active elements, metal composition, liquid agitation, wettability between solid and liquid, solid particle size, ash in carbonaceous materials and side reactions.
Experiments were carried out on carbon dissolution from graphite and coke into liquid Fe-C alloy using resistance or induction furnaces at 1573-1873 K. The kinetic parameters describing carbon dissolution rate were obtained from the comparison of observed carbon dissolution rates and model calculations. The dissolution rates at higher temperatures or in an induction furnace were found more rapid than those at lower temperatures or in a resistance furnace. The mass transfer in liquid was found to be the major limiting step for the carbon dissolution process.