Slag-graphite wettability and reaction kinetics Part 1 Kinetics and mechanism of molten FeO reduction reaction

Abstract

The present paper reports results relating to the kinetics and mechanism of FeO reduction by graphite, the data being obtained from experimental investigations into the wettability of graphite by molten slag containing FeO. The rate of FeO reduction was determined by measuring the volume of CO gas formed as a result of the reduction of FeO in experiments conducted in the same sessile drop apparatus. The reduction reaction initiated by direct slag-graphite contact produces CO gas which spreads into the molten slag droplet causing foaming of the slag; further reduction of FeO proceeds mostly via indirect reduction. The rate of reduction was found to depend directly on the initial FeO content. An increase in temperature improves the rate of reaction, which has an activation energy of 112.18 kJ mol(-1). These results indicate that transport of FeO (Fe2+, O2-) in the liquid slag phase is probably the slowest step.