Doc No.
Conv-01
DEPHOSPHORIZATION REACTION AND
Rev 00
PROCESS IN CONVERTOR
Date 10/01/2019
Preamble :
Phosphorus removal from hot metal is the most important refining reaction.
Phosphorus has atomic number 15 and it can give up all 5 electrons from its outermost
shell to become P5+ or accept 3 electrons to become P3− to attain stable
configuration. This means that phosphorus can be removed both under oxidizing as
well as reducing conditions. But removal of phosphorus under reducing conditions is
not practical since its removal is highly hazardous. Thus dephosphorization is practiced
in convertor mostly under oxidizing conditions.
Conditions for dephosphorization :
This is a process where in gaseous oxygen is used as the primary agent for oxidizing
dissolved impurities like carbon, silicon , manganese and phosphorous, and to a limited
extent the oxidizing iron itself. The process involves injection of high velocity oxygen
with PNG through bottom lances , Exothermic oxidation reactions provide heat to the
liquid bath, which ultimately increases the temperature, which further enhances the
reaction kinetics. Slag basicity for phosphorous removal is maintained by adding lime
to the bath. Convertor (Vessel) are lined with basic refractory materials, dolomite
(CaO)with magnesite (MgO).
Following operating parameters are desirable for dephosphorization of steel:
a) Low temperature-
(b) High basicity of slag-
(c) High ferrous oxide activity or iron content of slag,
(d) Low activity or phosphorous content of slag,
(e) Low silica content of slag, and
(f) Oxygen steelmaking process
2Fe + O2 = 2FeO --------------------------------------(1)
2P + 8 FeO = 3 FeO P2O5) +5 FeO ------------------------------------- (2)
3 FeO P2O5) + 3 CaO = 3 CaO.P2O5 +3 FeO ------------------------------------ (3
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Doc No. Conv-01
DEPHOSPHORIZATION REACTION AND
Rev 00
PROCESS IN CONVERTOR
Date 10/01/2019
IN SUMMARY
2P + 5 (FeO) + 3 (CaO) = (3 CaO.P2O5) ----------------------------- (4)
-
---------------------------- (5)
The Phosphorous from the metal was oxidized by FeO in slag the product joined the
slag phase in the form of a phosphate of tri calcium phosphate
A CaO in slag should be high. This means slag should have free dissolved lime. High
basicity of slag is required
A FeO in slag should be high; slag should be oxidizing. However for efficient
dephosphorization
Decrease in temperature increases P2O5 which favors dephosphorization reaction.
CONVERTOR (Oxygen steelmaking) PROCESS:
Its two separate 1st processes with the use of electric induction furnace for semi-
product melting and 2nd gas-oxygen refining converter where melt refining,
A portion of solid charge (scrap and sponge iron) charging into the converter with the
use of a scoop before the liquid semi-product pouring and during refining process as
such.
For the period of charge loading oxygen flow and natural gas are supplied to the
lances. Before oxygen supply the converter gas lines are blown off with nitrogen
When using solid charge (iron + sponge iron) the converter is charged first with iron
after its melting and reached carbon content in the melt of ≤ 0,15 %, sponge iron shall
be charged onto the liquid bath.
Coal can be charge into the converter as additional fuel for solid charge melting.
For the period of solid charge melting oxygen and natural gas shall be supplied to the
Page 2 of 3
Doc No. Conv-01
DEPHOSPHORIZATION REACTION AND
Rev 00
PROCESS IN CONVERTOR
Date 10/01/2019
lances
Before semi-product pouring into the converter add lime
Semi-product poured and oxygen shall be supplied to the lances and natural gas is
supplied
Solid charge melting is realized by coal oxidation, as well as iron, silicon oxidation with
oxygen in the natural gas atmosphere.
For semi-product melting in 10-t electric induction furnaces use scrap and sponge iron,
Carbon – 0.15 % chemical analysis and temperature measurement. It is allowed to
leave 350-450 kg of electric furnace slag rich in iron oxide in the transfer ladle to create
in the converter additional favorable conditions for metal dephosphorization.
Metal refining to remove phosphorus
Metal dephosphorization starts after solid charge melting and liquid material (semi-
product from induction furnaces) pouring. Bottom blowing using oxygen in the
atmosphere of PNG
In the course of blowing lime in added to the converter bath.
If required to speed up the process of slag forming and improve slag fluidity, the
fluorspar shall be introduced into the converter.
Before argon blowing starts it is allowed to introduce a non-used portion of sponge iron
in the converter bath.
For intensive bath agitation at the final stage of desulphurization metal shall be blown
with pure argon, which is supplied to the both lance channels.
During converter tilting nitrogen with a flow is supplied to lances
Phosphorus-bearing slag removed from the converter
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