Multiparticle Dissolution Kinetics of Carbon in Iron-Carbon-Sulphur Melts

Abstract

The derivation of a model of the dissolution of carbon particles following their injection into an iron bath is presented. The model is based on the dissolution of single particles in complete contact with the liquid iron and predicts the change in bath carbon concentration under continuous injection conditions. The model takes into account rate limitation by mass transport, chemical or mixed control.
The model predictions are shown to be consistent with the results of laboratory studies of the injection of high purity graphite into iron when mass transport limitations dominate. This is so for both pure iron/carbon alloys and those containing up to 1.0% dissolved sulfur. If a carbon source such as petroleum coke is substituted for graphite the experimental results deviate from the model predictions. This experimental result suggests that factors other than mass transport can be significant in limiting the rate of dissolution of non-graphitic carbon into liquid iron.
The experimental and industrial implications of the model are discussed and future plans for extension of the model are presented.