2015 Volume 55 Issue 9 Pages 2033-2035
The softening and melting properties of ferrous materials are controlled by reduction degree, basicity, amount of gangue and flux, phase chemistry and their distribution in the microstructure. Design of laboratory softening-melting tests simulating blast furnace conditions greatly affects the reduction degree of the ferrous materials, since heating rate and reduction gas profile are key parameters affecting reduction degree of burden. Softening-melting behaviors of different blast furnace burden were compared by running laboratory tests under modified conditions. Comparing conventional and modified softening-melting test conditions, it can be said that modified test conditions are more practical adaptation of blast furnace conditions. SEM analysis indicated the primary mechanism for softening is due to presence of wustite as primary liquid slag former under modified test conditions, which is more close to blast furnace situation.