Analysis of hot metal desiliconization behavior in converter experiments by coupled reaction model

The data in the hot metal desiliconization experiments were analyzed using the coupled reaction model and the reaction mechanisms were investigated. Desiliconization reaction is controlled by the mass transfer in the metal when (FeO) in slag is larger than 35 mass%. Higher (FeO) and agitation energy cause larger apparent volumetric rate constant V-Si. This seems to be a result of enhanced mass transfer in metal and slag caused by stronger agitation, enhanced mass transfer in slag caused by higher (FeO) content in slag and larger driving force caused by higher oxygen activity at the slag/metal interface. Strong agitation and low (FeO) content in slag are effective for preferable desiliconization reaction with suppressing the decarburization reaction.