Abstract
This is a critical review of the physical chemistry of selected aspects of ironmaking and steelmaking processes. The equilibrium data from gas-slag-metal reactions are presented in a form suitable for easy application in the study of the state of reactions in ironmaking and steelmaking. Plant data indicate departures from equilibrium for most reactions in the blast-furnace bosh and hearth. In steelmaking, most reactions are close to equilibrium at the time of furnace tapping. Comments are made on reaction equilibria in relation to the ladle refining of hot metal. A summary is made of new equilibrium data for desulfurization of liquid steel with calcium aluminate slags. Various examples are given of the role of vapor species in pyrometallurgical processes, e.g., silicon- and sulfur-bearing species and alkali cyanide vapors in the blast furnace, causes of fume emission during furnace tapping, and consequences of fume emission in coal gasification using liquid iron as the reaction medium.
