Distribution of niobium or tantalum between fluorine-containing slag and iron in blast furnace smelting

Abstract

The distribution of Nb or Ta between iron and slag in blast furnace smelting is closely related to Si-Nb or Si-Ta equilibrium. Most of the Nb or Ta enters the iron when the equilibrium distribution of Nb or Ta is reached. The equilibrium distribution ratios of Nb and Ta are substantially independent of both the basicity and the CaF2 content of the slag but are markedly affected by the reaction temperature. The Ta contents in slag and iron were measured by the radioactive isotope182Ta.