Phase equilibria in ferrous calcium silicate slags: Part II. Evaluation of experimental data and computer thermodynamic models

Ferrous calcium silicate slags (described by the FeO-Fe2O3-CaO-SiO2 system) are the basis for a number of slag systems used in nonferrous smelting. Characterization of this slag system is necessary to improve the design and optimization parameters of new processes, including fluxing and operating temperatures. Particularly of interest are the phase relations at intermediate oxygen partial pressures relevant to processes such as copper converting. Experimental data on the phase equilibria of these slags at controlled oxygen partial pressures in the temperature range between 1200 degrees C and 1350 degrees C are discussed, differences between various data sources are analyzed, and discrepancies are resolved. An evaluation of two thermodynamic computer models is undertaken to verify the computer-aided predictions using the experimental data. New experimental data for this system are reported for the temperature condition of 1300 degrees C, defined using the equilibration/rapid-quenching/electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) with wavelength dispersive detectors technique. This new information, combined with results from the previous study, has enabled the equilibrium liquidus compositions to be defined over a wide range of temperatures and oxygen partial pressures.