Softening–melting behavior of mixed burden based on low-magnesium sinter and fluxed pellets

A low MgO content in sinter is conducive to reduce the MgO content in blast furnace slag.This study investigated the effect of MgO content in sinter on the softening–melting behavior of the mixed burden based on fluxed pellets.When the MgO content increased from 1.31 wt% to 1.55 wt%, the melting temperature of sinter increased to 1521℃.Such an increase was due to the formation of the high-meltingpoint slag phase.The reduction degradation index of sinter with 1.31 wt% MgO content was better than that of others.The initial softening temperature of the mixed burden increased from 1104 to 1126℃ as MgO content in sinter increased from 1.31 wt% to 1.55 wt%, and the melting temperature decreased from 1494 to 1460℃.The permeability index(S-value) of mixed burden decreased to 594.46 kPa·℃ under a high MgO content with 1.55 wt%, indicating that the permeability was improved.The slag phase composition of burden was mainly akermarite(Ca_2MgSiO_7) when the MgO content in sinter was 1.55 wt%.The melting point of akermarite is 1450℃, which is lower than other phases.     

基于低镁烧结矿和熔剂性球团的综合炉料熔滴性能研究

A low MgO content in sinter is conducive to reduce the MgO content in blast furnace slag. This study investigated the effect of MgO content in sinter on the softening–melting behavior of the mixed burden based on fluxed pellets. When the MgO content increased from 1.31wt% to 1.55wt%, the melting temperature of sinter increased to 1521°C. Such an increase was due to the formation of the high-melting-point slag phase. The reduction degradation index of sinter with 1.31wt% MgO content was better than that of others. The initial softening temperature of the mixed burden increased from 1104 to 1126°C as MgO content in sinter increased from 1.31wt% to 1.55wt%, and the melting temperature decreased from 1494 to 1460°C. The permeability index (S-value) of mixed burden decreased to 594.46 kPa·°C under a high MgO content with 1.55wt%, indicating that the permeability was improved. The slag phase composition of burden was mainly akermarite (Ca₂MgSiO₇) when the MgO content in sinter was 1.55wt%. The melting point of akermarite is 1450°C, which is lower than other phases.     

Optimized use of MgO flux in the agglomeration of high-chromium vanadium–titanium magnetite

The optimized use of Mg O flux in the agglomeration of high-chromium vanadium–titanium magnetite was investigated systematically through sinter and pellet experiments. Mg O was added in the form of magnesite. When the content of Mg O in the sinter was increased from 1.95wt% to 2.63wt%, the low-temperature reduction degradation index increased from 80.57% to 82.71%. When the content of Mg O in the pellet was increased from 1.14wt% to 2.40wt%, the reduction swelling index decreased from 15.2% to 8.6%; however, the compressive strength of the oxidized pellet decreased dramatically and it was 1985 N with an Mg O content of 1.14wt%. This compressive strength does not satisfy the requirements for blast-furnace production. When all of the aforementioned results were taken into account, the sinter with a high Mg O content(2.63wt%) matching the pellet with a low Mg O content(less than 1.14wt%) was the rational burden structure for smelting high-chromium vanadium–titanium magnetite in blast furnaces.     

Novel blast furnace operation process involving charging with low-titanium vanadium–titanium magnetite carbon composite hot briquette

An innovative process of blast furnace (BF) operation involving charging with low-titanium vanadium–titanium magnetite carbon composite hot briquette (LVTM-CCB) was proposed for utilizing LVTM and conserving energy. In this study, the effect of LVTM-CCB charging ratio on the softening, melting, and dripping behaviors of the mixed burden was explored systemically, and the migration of valuable elements V and Cr was extensively investigated. The results show that with increasing LVTM-CCB charging ratio, the softening interval T₄₀-T₄ increases from 146.1℃ to 266.1℃, and the melting interval T_D-T_S first decreases from 137.2℃ to 129.5℃ and then increases from 129.5℃ to 133.2℃. Moreover, the cohesive zone becomes narrower and then wider, and its location shifts slightly downward. In addition, the recovery ratios of V and Cr in dripped iron first increase and then decrease, reaching maximum values of 14.552% and 28.163%, respectively, when the charging ratio is 25%. A proper LVTM-CCB charging ratio would improve the softening–melting behavior of the mixed burden; however, Ti(C,N) would be generated rapidly in slag when the charging ratio exceeds 25%, which is not favorable for BF operation. When considering the comprehensive softening–melting behavior of the mixed burden and the recovery ratios of V and Cr, the recommended LVTM-CCB charging ratio is 20%.     

High-chromium vanadium–titanium magnetite all-pellet integrated burden optimization and softening–melting behavior based on flux pellets

High-chromium vanadium–titanium magnetite (HVTM) is a crucial polymetallic-associated resource to be developed.The allpellet operation is a blast furnace trend that aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the future.By referencing the production data of vanadium–titanium magnetite blast furnaces,this study explored the softening–melting behavior of high-chromium vanadium–titanium magnetite and obtained the optimal integrated burden based on flux pellets.The results show that the burden with a...     

Optimized use of MgO flux in the agglomeration of high-chromium vanadium-titanium magnetite

The optimized use of MgO flux in the agglomeration of high-chromium vanadium-titanium magnetite was investigated systematically through sinter and pellet experiments. MgO was added in the form of magnesite. When the content of MgO in the sinter was increased from 1.95wt% to 2.63wt%, the low-temperature reduction degradation index increased from 80.57% to 82.71%. When the content of MgO in the pellet was increased from 1.14wt% to 2.40wt%, the reduction swelling index decreased from 15.2% to 8.6%; however, the compressive strength of the oxidized pellet decreased dramatically and it was 1985 N with an MgO content of 1.14wt%. This compressive strength does not satisfy the requirements for blast-furnace production. When all of the aforementioned results were taken into account, the sinter with a high MgO content (2.63wt%) matching the pellet with a low MgO content (less than 1.14wt%) was the rational burden structure for smelting high-chromium vanadium-titanium magnetite in blast furnaces.     

Sintering behaviors and consolidation mechanism of high-chromium vanadium and titanium magnetite fines

To achieve high efficiency utilization of high-chromium vanadium–titanium magnetite (V–Ti–Cr) fines, an investigation of V–Ti–Cr fines was conducted using a sinter pot. The chemical composition, particle parameters, and granulation of V–Ti–Cr mixtures were analyzed, and the effects of sintering parameters on the sintering behaviors were investigated. The results indicated that the optimum quicklime dosage, mixture moisture, wetting time, and granulation time for V–Ti–Cr fines are 5wt%, 7.5wt%, 10 min, and 5–8 min, respectively. Meanwhile, the vertical sintering speed, yield, tumbler strength, and productivity gains were shown to be 21.28 mm/min, 60.50wt%, 58.26wt%, and 1.36 t·m-2·h-1, respectively. Furthermore, the consolidation mechanism of V–Ti–Cr fines was clarified, revealing that the consolidation of a V–Ti–Cr sinter requires an approximately 14vol% calcium ferrite liquid-state, an approximately 15vol% silicate liquid-state, a solid-state reaction, and the recrystallization of magnetite. Compared to an ordinary sinter, calcium ferrite content in a V–Ti–Cr sinter is lower, while the perovskite content is higher, possibly resulting in unsatisfactory sinter outcomes.     

Influence of TiO_2 on the melting property and viscosity of Cr-containing high-Ti melting slag

A study on the melting and viscosity properties of the chromium-containing high-titanium melting slag(CaO–SiO_2–MgO–Al_2O_3–TiO_2–Cr_2O_3) with TiO_2 contents ranging from 38.63 wt% to 42.63 wt% was conducted. The melting properties were investigated with a meltingpoint apparatus, and viscosity was measured using the rotating cylinder method. The FactSage 7.1 software and X-ray diffraction, in combination with scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive spectroscopy(SEM–EDS), were used to characterize the phase equilibrium and microstructure of chromium-containing high-titanium melting slags. The results indicated that an increase in the TiO_2 content led to a decrease in the viscosity of the chromium-containing high-titanium melting slag. In addition, the softening temperature, hemispheric temperature, and flowing temperature decreased with increasing TiO_2 content. The amount of crystallized anosovite and sphene phases gradually increased with increasing TiO_2 content, whereas the amount of perovskite phase decreased. SEM observations revealed that the distribution of the anosovite phase was dominantly influenced by TiO_2.     

Effects of SiO2 on the preparation and metallurgical properties of acid oxidized pellets

The effects of SiO₂ content on the preparation process and metallurgical properties of acid oxidized pellets, including compressive strength, reduction, and softening–melting behaviors, were systematically investigated.Mineralogical structures, elemental distribution, and pore size distribution were varied to analyze the mechanism of the effects.The results show that with an increase in SiO₂ content from 3.51 wt%to 7.18 wt%, compressive strength decreases from 3150 N/pellet to 2100 N/pellet and reducibility decreases from 76.5% to 71.4%.The microstructure showed that pellets with high SiO₂ content contained more magnetite in the mineralogical structures.Additionally, some liquid phases appeared, which hindered the continuous crystallization of hematite.Also, the softening–melting properties of the pellets clearly deteriorated as the SiO₂ content increased.With increasing SiO₂ content, the temperature range of the softening–melting zone decreased, and the maximum differential pressure and the comprehensive permeability index increased significantly.When acid oxidized pellets are used as the raw materials for blast furnace smelting, it should be combined with high basicity sinters to improve the softening–melting behaviors of the comprehensive charge.     

TiO2对含铬高钛熔分渣熔化性能和黏度的影响

A study on the melting and viscosity properties of the chromium-containing high-titanium melting slag (CaO–SiO₂–MgO–Al₂O₃–TiO₂–Cr₂O₃) with TiO₂ contents ranging from 38.63wt% to 42.63wt% was conducted. The melting properties were investigated with a melting-point apparatus, and viscosity was measured using the rotating cylinder method. The FactSage 7.1 software and X-ray diffraction, in combination with scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), were used to characterize the phase equilibrium and microstructure of chromium-containing high-titanium melting slags. The results indicated that an increase in the TiO₂ content led to a decrease in the viscosity of the chromium-containing high-titanium melting slag. In addition, the softening temperature, hemispheric temperature, and flowing temperature decreased with increasing TiO₂ content. The amount of crystallized anosovite and sphene phases gradually increased with increasing TiO₂ content, whereas the amount of perovskite phase decreased. SEM observations revealed that the distribution of the anosovite phase was dominantly influenced by TiO₂.     

Effects of SiO_2 on the preparation and metallurgical properties of acid oxidized pellets

The effects of SiO_2 content on the preparation process and metallurgical properties of acid oxidized pellets, including compressive strength, reduction, and softening–melting behaviors, were systematically investigated.Mineralogical structures, elemental distribution, and pore size distribution were varied to analyze the mechanism of the effects.The results show that with an increase in SiO_2 content from 3.51 wt%to 7.18 wt%, compressive strength decreases from 3150 N/pellet to 2100 N/pellet and reducibility decreases from 76.5% to 71.4%.The microstructure showed that pellets with high SiO_2 content contained more magnetite in the mineralogical structures.Additionally, some liquid phases appeared, which hindered the continuous crystallization of hematite.Also, the softening–melting properties of the pellets clearly deteriorated as the SiO_2 content increased.With increasing SiO_2 content, the temperature range of the softening–melting zone decreased, and the maximum differential pressure and the comprehensive permeability index increased significantly.When acid oxidized pellets are used as the raw materials for blast furnace smelting, it should be combined with high basicity sinters to improve the softening–melting behaviors of the comprehensive charge.     

Reduction–melting behaviors of boron-bearing iron concentrate/carbon composite pellets with addition of CaO

Although the total amount of boron resources in China is high, the grades of these resources are low. The authors have already proposed a new comprehensive utilization process of boron-bearing iron concentrate based on the iron nugget process. The present work describes a further optimization of the conditions used in the previous study. The effects of CaO on the reduction–melting behavior and properties of the boron-rich slag are presented. CaO improved the reduction of boron-bearing iron concentrate/carbon composite pellets when its content was less than 1wt%. Melting separation of the composite pellets became difficult with the CaO content increased. The sulfur content of the iron nugget gradually decreased from 0.16wt% to 0.046wt% as the CaO content of the pellets increased from 1wt% to 5wt%. CaO negatively affected the iron yield and boron extraction efficiency of the boron-rich slag. The mineral phase evolution of the boron-rich slag during the reduction–melting separation of the composite pellets with added CaO was also deduced.     

AISI 321不锈钢钢钢包精炼过程中钙含量对夹杂物的影响

The effect of three heat processes with different calcium contents on the evolution of inclusions during the ladle furnace refining process of AISI 321 stainless steel was investigated. The size, morphology, and composition of the inclusions were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. After the addition of aluminum and titanium, the primary oxide in the AISI 321 stainless steel was an Al₂O₃–MgO–TiO_x complex oxide, in which the mass ratio of Al₂O₃/MgO was highly consistent with spinel (MgO·Al₂O₃). After calcium treatment, the calcium content in the oxide increased significantly. Thermodynamic calculations show that when the Ti content was 0.2wt%, the Al and Ca contents were less than 0.10wt% and 0.0005wt%, respectively, which was beneficial for the formation of liquid inclusions in molten steel. Moreover, the modification mechanism of calcium on TiN-wrapped oxides in combination with temperature changes was discussed.     

Reduction mechanism of high-chromium vanadium–titanium magnetite pellets by H_2–CO–CO_2 gas mixtures

The reduction of high-chromium vanadium–titanium magnetite as a typical titanomagnetite containing 0.95wt% V2O5 and 0.61wt% Cr2O3 by H2–CO–CO2 gas mixtures was investigated from 1223 to 1373 K. Both the reduction degree and reduction rate increase with increasing temperature and increasing hydrogen content. At a temperature of 1373 K, an H2/CO ratio of 5/2 by volume, and a reduction time of 40 min, the degree of reduction reaches 95%. The phase transformation during reduction is hypothesized to proceed as follows: Fe2O3 → Fe3O4 → FeO → Fe; Fe9 TiO 15 + Fe2Ti3O9 → Fe2.75Ti0.25O4 → FeT iO 3 → TiO 2;(Cr0.15V0.85)2O3 → Fe2VO4; and Cr1.3Fe0.7O3 → FeC r2O4. The reduction is controlled by the mixed internal diffusion and interfacial reaction at the initial stage; however, the interfacial reaction is dominant. As the reduction proceeds, the internal diffusion becomes the controlling step.     

Abrasive resistance of metastable V–Cr–Mn–Ni spheroidal carbide cast irons using the factorial design method

Full factorial design was used to evaluate the two-body abrasive resistance of 3wt%C–4wt%Mn–1.5wt%Ni spheroidal carbide cast irons with varying vanadium (5.0wt%–10.0wt%) and chromium (up to 9.0wt%) contents. The alloys were quenched at 920℃. The regression equation of wear rate as a function of V and Cr contents was proposed. This regression equation shows that the wear rate decreases with increasing V content because of the growth of spheroidal VC carbide amount. Cr influences the overall response in a complex manner both by reducing the wear rate owing to eutectic carbides (M₇C₃) and by increasing the wear rate though stabilizing austenite to deformation-induced martensite transformation. This transformation is recognized as an important factor in increasing the abrasive response of the alloys. By analyzing the regression equation, the optimal content ranges are found to be 7.5wt%–10.0wt% for V and 2.5wt%–4.5wt% for Cr, which corresponds to the alloys containing 9vol%–15vol% spheroidal VC carbides, 8vol%–16vol% M₇C₃, and a metastable austenite/martensite matrix. The wear resistance is 1.9–2.3 times that of the traditional 12wt% V–13wt% Mn spheroidal carbide cast iron.     

Effect of Mo content on the thermal stability of Ti–Mo-bearing ferritic steel

The effects of tempering holding time at 700°C on the morphology, mechanical properties, and behavior of nanoparticles in Ti–Mo ferritic steel with different Mo contents were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The equilibrium solid solution amounts of Mo, Ti, and C in ferritic steel at various temperatures were calculated, and changes in the sizes of nanoparticles over time at different Mo contents were analyzed. The experimental results and theoretical calculations were in good agreement with each other and showed that the size of nanoparticles in middle Mo content nano-ferrite(MNF) steel changed the least during aging. High Mo contents inhibited the maturation and growth of nanoparticles, but no obvious inhibitory effect was observed when the Mo content exceeded 0.37 wt%.The tensile strength and yield strength continuously decreased with the tempering time. Analysis of the strengthening and toughening mechanisms showed that the different mechanical properties among the three different Mo content experiment steels were mainly determined by grain refinement strengthening(the difference range was 30–40 MPa) and precipitation strengthening(the difference range was 78–127 MPa). MNF steel displayed an ideal chemical ratio and the highest thermodynamic stability, whereas low Mo content nano-ferrite(LNF) steel and high Mo content nano-ferrite(HNF) steel displayed relatively similar thermodynamic stabilities.     

Effect of purification pretreatment on the recovery of magnetite from waste ferrous sulfate

The present study was conducted to elucidate the influence of impurities in waste ferrous sulfate on its recovery of magnetite. Ferrous sulfate solution was purified by the addition of NaOH solution to precipitate impurities, and magnetite was recovered from ferrous sulfate solution without and with purification pretreatment. Calcium hydroxide was added to the solution of ferrous sulfate as a precipitator. A mixed product of magnetite and gypsum was subsequently obtained by air oxidation and heating. Wet-milling was performed prior to magnetic separation to recover magnetite from the mixed products. The results show that with the purification pretreatment, the grade of iron in magnetite concentrate increased from 62.05% to 65.58% and the recovery rate of iron decreased from 85.35% to 80.35%. The purification pretreatment reduced the conglutination between magnetite and gypsum, which favors their subsequent magnetic separation. In summary, a higher-grade magnetite with a better crystallinity and a larger particle size of 2.35 μm was obtained with the purification pretreatment.     

Reduction-melting behaviors of boron-bearing iron concentrate/carbon composite pellets with addition of CaO

Although the total amount of boron resources in China is high, the grades of these resources are low. The authors have already proposed a new comprehensive utilization process of boron-bearing iron concentrate based on the iron nugget process. The present work de-scribes a further optimization of the conditions used in the previous study. The effects of CaO on the reduction–melting behavior and proper-ties of the boron-rich slag are presented. CaO improved the reduction of boron-bearing iron concentrate/carbon composite pellets when its content was less than 1wt%. Melting separation of the composite pellets became difficult with the CaO content increased. The sulfur content of the iron nugget gradually decreased from 0.16wt%to 0.046wt%as the CaO content of the pellets increased from 1wt%to 5wt%. CaO negatively affected the iron yield and boron extraction efficiency of the boron-rich slag. The mineral phase evolution of the boron-rich slag during the reduction–melting separation of the composite pellets with added CaO was also deduced.     

Effects of MgO and TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> on the viscous behaviors and phase compositions of titanium-bearing slag

The effects of MgO and TiO₂ on the viscosity, activation energy for viscous flow, and break-point temperature of titanium-bearing slag were studied. The correlation between viscosity and slag structure was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Subsequently, main phases in the slag and their content changes were investigated by X-ray diffraction and Factsage 6.4 software package. The results show that the viscosity decreases when the MgO content increases from 10.00wt% to 14.00wt%. Moreover, the break-point temperature increases, and the activation energy for viscous flow initially increases and subsequently decreases. In addition, with increasing TiO₂ content from 5.00wt% to 9.00wt%, the viscosity decreases, and the break-point temperature and activation energy for viscous flow initially decrease and subsequently increase. FTIR analyses reveal that the polymerization degree of complex viscous units in titanium-bearing slag decreases with increasing MgO and TiO₂ contents. The mechanism of viscosity variation was elucidated. The basic phase in experimental slags is melilite. Besides, as the MgO content increases, the amount of magnesia–alumina spinel in the slag increases. Similarly, the sum of pyroxene and perovskite phases in the slag increases with increasing TiO₂ content.     

Some basic properties of granules from ore blends consisting of ultrafine magnetite and hematite ores

Some basic properties of granules, including the granule size distribution, packed-bed permeability, and chemical composition of the adhering layer, were investigated in this study for four iron ore blends consisting of 5wt%, 25wt%, and 45wt% ultrafine magnetite and 25wt% ultrafine hematite concentrates. The effects of varying the sinter basicity (CaO/SiO₂ mass ratio=1.4 to 2.2) and adding ultrafine concentrates on the variation of the adhering-layer composition and granule microstructure were studied. Moreover, the effect of adhering-layer compositional changes on sintering reactions was discussed in combination with pot sintering results of ore blends. Increasing sinter basicity led to an increase in the basicities of both the adhering layer and the fine part of the sinter mix, which were higher than the overall sinter basicity. When the sinter chemistry was fixed and fine Si-bearing materials (e.g., quartz sand) were used, increasing the amount of ultrafine ores in the ore blends tended to reduce the adhering-layer basicity and increase the SiO₂ content in both the adhering layer and the fine part of the sinter mix, which will induce the formation of low-strength bonding phases and the deterioration of sinter strength. The adhering-layer composition in granules can be estimated in advance from the compositions of the -1 mm fractions of the raw materials.