Slag Mass Research Articles

Structural Changes in Copper Slags During Slow Cooling

The objects of the study were converter slags from the Balkhash copper plant in their initial state and after heat treatment. Using mineralogical and X-ray phase analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), it was found that the initial converter slag and its thermally treated samples have identical matrices with almost complete coincidence in mineral and phase compositions. The distinguishing feature is the quantitative ratio of mineral components in the slag mass. Almost all of the iron is oxidized and present in the form of fayalite, magnetite, and magnetite, with other elements (silicon, copper, zinc, and aluminum) incorporated into its lattice. The structure of all slag samples indicates an association of sulfur exclusively with copper. Copper in the slags was identified in both metallic and sulfide forms. Slow cooling of the converter slag after its remelting contributes to the reduction in the sulfide–metal suspension in the volume of the melt and its coarsening. During slow cooling, structural changes occur not only in the main oxide part of the slag but also in the polymetallic globules.

Influence of Ambient Relative Humidity on the Shrinkage Strain of Engineered Geopolymer Composites Based on Orthogonal Experimental Design.

With the aim to systematically analyze the ambient relative humidity on the shrinkage strain of Engineered Geopolymer Composites (EGCs), this paper studied four variables (fly ash to ground granulated blast furnace slag mass ratio, alkali content, water-binder ratio, and fiber volume content) though orthogonal experimental design and three different relative humidity values (30%, 60%, and 100% RH). The results indicated that, for EGC specimens under 30% RH and 60% RH, the decrease in slag content and increase in alkali content both resulted in greater drying shrinkage. The addition of fibers effectively reduced the shrinkage strain, while a minor impact on shrinkage was presented by the W/B ratio. The first and second key factors affecting the drying shrinkage strain were the FA/GGBS ratio and the alkali content. The optimal ratio of FA/GGBS, alkali content, and fiber volume fraction were 0/100, 4%, and 1.5%, respectively. Dring shrinkage strain was decreased with the increase in ambient relative humidity. Compared with the shrinkage strain under 30% RH, the reduction in shrinkage strain under 60% RH and 100%RH was up to 46.1% and 107.5%, respectively. At last, a relationship between shrinkage strain and curing age under 30% and 60% RH was established with a fitting degree from 0.9492 to 0.9987, while no clear relationship was presented under 100% RH. The results in this paper provide a practical method for solving the shrinkage problem of EGCs.

The comprehensive utilization of mass and heat of hot blast furnace slag and coordinated disposal of chromium-containing sludge to prepare glass-ceramic

Currently in steel enterprises, the mass and heat of hot blast furnace slag (BFS) are not fully recovered, and the produced chrome-containing sludge (CCS) poses a significant threat to the ecological environment. In this work, CCS together with other ingredients is added into hot BFS to produce high value-added glass-ceramic (GC), after the mixed molten slag is cooled down. The obtained GC shows excellent physical and chemical properties (bulk density: 2.76 g cm−3, water absorption: 0.059 %, compressive strength: 78 MPa, Vickers hardness: 7.54 GPa, acid resistance: 98.63 %, alkali resistance: 99.84 %, thermal conductivity: 1.049 W m−1 °C−1, and thermal expansivity: 6.56 × 10−6 m m−1 °C−1). These excellent physical and chemical properties render the as-prepared GC a high value-added building material. In addition, the leaching concentrations of total Cr element and Cr(VI) in the as-prepared GC are 1.6 mg L−1 and 1.03 mg L−1, respectively, which are below the standard threshold for hazardous waste extraction toxicity. Compared with the traditional sintering method, the sensible heat of the hot BFS can be used as the thermal source in the molten slag cooling method, which can save a lot of energy. The use of hot BFS and CCS to produce high value-added GC not only fully utilizes the mass and heat of hot BFS but also fixes the Cr element in the CCS within the crystalline phase of GC, thereby eliminating the pollution of CCS to the environment.

Method of Cleaning Internal Combustion Engine Radiator Tubes with Ultrasound

The article provides an experimental justification for cleaning radiator tubes. The method consists in the destruction of slag on the inner walls of the radiator tubes due to the cavitation of water under the action of ultrasonic waves. The description of the stand, the experimental technique and its results are given. In particular, the dependences of the slag mass on the time of exposure to ultrasound on the tubes, the temperature of the water and its air saturation are given. The obtained dependencies are reflected in the regression equation. The analysis of the regression equation allowed us to determine the optimal time of exposure to ultrasound. The coefficients of the ratio of the increase in the rate of fluid outflow from the radiator tubes, the mass of the slag and the density of the liquid before and after exposure to ultrasound are proposed. The design and equipment for the radiator cleaning station in the conditions of production and their manufacture at machine-building plants are given.

Carbon dioxide removal efficiency of iron and steel slag in seawater via ocean alkalinity enhancement

Ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) via the enhanced weathering of alkaline minerals is a promising carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technology. Theoretically, these includes iron and steel slags, although their dissolution kinetics in seawater are unknown. Here, we conducted lab-scale experiments to assess the alkalinity generation potential and dissolution kinetics of various slags in seawater. We show that the alkalinity generated per mass of iron slag was logarithmic, i.e., higher amounts of iron slag added had diminishing alkalinity returns. In contrast, the relatively quick dissolution of steel slags and their linear generation of alkalinity per mass of feedstock dissolved in seawater makes them better OAE candidates. Furthermore, despite the presence of potentially toxic metals in these feedstocks, their low to non-existent presence as dissolution products suggests that harmful concentrations should not be reached, at least for the slag tested here. Finally, if all steel slag produced annually was used for OAE, between 10 and 22 gigatonnes of CO2 could be captured cumulatively by 2,100, highlighting significant CDR potential by slags.

Experimental Study Based on Box-Behnken Design and Response Surface Methodology for Optimization Proportioning of Activated Lithium Slag Composite Cement-Based Cementitious Materials.

Cement-based cementitious materials occupy a central position in the construction industry, but the problem of high carbon dioxide(CO2) emissions from cement production has attracted global attention. To meet this challenge, finding low-carbon alternative materials has become a top priority in the research of new building materials. At the same time, the problem of large amounts of lithium slag piling up needs to be solved, and resource utilization has become its potential way out. In this study, the volcanic ash activity of lithium slag was activated by composite activation means of high-temperature calcination and sodium silicate, and it was used as an alternative mix to cement. The Box-Behnken design and response surface method (BBD-RSM) was utilized to optimize the ratio of activated lithium slag composite cement-based cementitious materials, and high-performance new solid waste cementitious materials were prepared. The results show that activated lithium slag composite cementitious materials activated lithium slag exhibit excellent performance when activated lithium slag mass fraction is 7.3%, the sodium silicate dosage is 8.8%, and water-solid ratio is 0.6:1. The composite cementitious material under this ratio shows excellent performance, with fluidity 235.69 mm, gelation time 73.54 s, water evolution rate 1.123%, 3d and 28d compressive strengths, respectively, are 11.54 MPa and 22.9 MPa. Compared with ordinary Portland-cement-based cementing materials, the uniaxial compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, and tensile strength at break of activated lithium slag cementitious material solidified body were increased by 34.33%, 36.43%, and 34.98%, and the compressive deformation and tensile deformation were enhanced by 37.78% and 40%. This study not only provides a theoretical basis and experimental foundation for the preparation of new solid waste cementitious materials, but also provides a new solution for the reinforcement of crushed rock bodies in engineering practice, which is of great significance for promoting the low-carbon development of the construction industry.

Aluminothermic Reduction Kinetics of Calcium Silicate Slag for Silicon Alloy Production

We investigated the reaction kinetics and initial chemical conditions in the production of silicon alloys, employing aluminum as the reductant for calcium silicate slag, to enhance process economics and scalability to industrial levels. The apparent kinetics and transient chemical conditions were studied by immersing solid aluminum into molten slag, allowing the reaction to proceed for varying durations without external agitation, before quenching the reaction for chemical and microscopic analyses of the resulting silicon alloy and slag. The majority of the conversion was observed within the first 15 s at 1650 °C, driven by significant chemical interactions and interfacial turbulence introduced upon aluminum immersion. For Al-SiO2 stoichiometries ranging from 0.5 to 1.2, the slag phase reaction conformed to first-order kinetics during the initial two minutes, when it approached equilibrium. The mass transfer coefficients for Al2O3 were estimated at 1–2 × 10−4 m/s, comparable to those for SiO2 and CaO. A constant mass transfer coefficient could not be established for stoichiometries of 1.6 and 2, as these deviated from the standard slag mass transfer relationship and did not adhere to established relationships. Despite near-complete reactions, alloy–slag mixing was extensive, decreasing with lower stoichiometry values.

Environmental characterization of ferrochromium production waste (refined slag) and its carbonization product

This paper presents the results of research on the method of utilization of self-disintegrating slags of refined ferrochrome production by autoclave carbonization in carbon dioxide environment. The work has a complex character, including earlier laboratory studies of the slag carbonization process under different conditions, as well as studies of chemical and mineralogical composition of initial waste slags taken from the slag dump and samples of bricks subjected to carbonization. The composition of slags and obtained products was investigated by XRD, DTA, DTG and XRF analyses, which showed that the main phases of the studied samples are dicalcium silicate, montichelite, periclase, magnesiochromite, calcite. Thermal analytical studies showed that magnesium carbonate is present only in the samples of artificially carbonized material. Also, the process of carbonate formation in the thickness of bricks during forced carbonization was investigated. As a result, it was obtained that with increasing CO2 pressure, the amount of bound carbon in the products increases proportionally in all layers. It was determined that the amount of CO2 absorbed during carbonization can reach 20 % of the mass of the initial slag. Stale slag can be used simultaneously as a carbon dioxide absorber and as a building product.

Contribution to a better understanding of long-term hydration, structuration and mechanical properties of slag based cementitious materials: Experimental and modeling approaches

Blast Furnace Slag (BFS), a by-product of the steelmaking process, can be used as a mineral addition in blended cement. In addition to reduce CO2 emissions in the construction field, the use of BFS in cementitious materials also contributes to the improvement of their mechanical and durability properties. However, despite the numerous studies proposed in the literature about the hydration properties of BFS-blended cement, some aspects remain unclear, such as the influence of slag substitution rate on hydration kinetics and on the stoichiometry of hydrates formed and their impacts on both microstructural and mechanical properties. For these reasons, the present study aims firstly to better understand how BFS-blended cement hydrates based on a complete hydration model that considers both kinetics and chemical reactions. The only required input data are the formulation parameters (i.e. water-to-binder ratio (W/B), substitution rate of clinker by slag (fs)), and curing. This study does not introduce the heat of hydration, which limits the validity of other existing models to short-term hydration. Analytical laws involving calibration parameters, which are assumed to vary with the substitution rate of clinker by slag, represent the hydration kinetics of clinker and slag while a stoichiometric approach is adopted to describe the chemical formation of hydrates. In order to calibrate and validate the parameters involved in the hydration model, four different cement paste mixes formulated with 0%, 30%, 50%, and 80% (by mass) of slag are studied in terms of hydration degrees and microstructure evolutions, and completed with data from the literature. The amounts of hydrated phases and those of dry densities, particularly at later ages, are well reproduced by the hydration model. Porous structure evolutions are also investigated in terms of partition between capillary and CSH gel pores by comparing the capillary porosity predicted by the model with the total porosity measured experimentally. Finally, predictive modeling of mechanical properties (compressive strength and Young modulus) of tested materials are finally proposed based on hydration model outputs. A good agreement between experimental and predicted data is observed.

Fusion of dies with economy-layed secondaryhard-ducted steel

Problem. The purpose of the work is to increase the wear resistance and heat resistance of secondary hardening surfacing steels by improving the composition of alloying powder wires due to the optimization of the content of titanium, molybdenum and chromium. It was found that increasing the heat resistance of iron-based Cr-Mn-Ti alloys contributes to an increase in the content of the carbide phase [TiC]; the introduction of [Mo] stabilizes the value of hardness at elevated temperatures, increases heat resistance and hardness during dispersion hardening. High indicators of heat resistance and wear resistance of steel 18X4G10M5T3S are achieved due to additional diffusion formation of the carbide phase during aging, increased contact strength, a significant amount and uniform distribution in the volume of the deposited metal of the carbide phase. Goal. Іncreasing the wear resistance and heat resistance of secondary hardening surfacing steels by improving the composition of alloying powder wires due to the optimization of the content of titanium, molybdenum and chromium. Methodology. For automatic arc surfacing under the flux, attachment devices were designed and manufactured for feeding the de-energized flux-cored wire into the welding bath. The use of these devices on the A-1401 and TS-17M welding machines made it possible to study the influence of the de-sintering additive on the deposition parameters, chemical and phase composition of the deposited metal. The surfacing was carried out on samples made of steel 20 and 50 KhNM according to the "slide" scheme. The powder wire was produced at the laboratory facility of the Department of Welding Production of UIPA. The crack resistance of the alloys was studied at the LTP 1-6 installation. Results. On the basis of experimental studies, it was established that automatic surfacing with a de-energized additive increases the technical and economic indicators of melting - the surfacing coefficient is up to 30 g/Ag, the share of the base metal in the surfacing decreases to 11...14%, reduces the specific fuel costs and energy costs - increases the specific energy for the formation of a seam above the conventional limit of fusion and thermal efficiency. by 60...70% and 40...50%, reduces the coefficients of the relative mass of slag by 24...28%, increases the absorption coefficients of alloying elements by 70...80% in contrast to single-electrode melting. Originality It was found that increasing the heat resistance of iron-based Cr-Mn-Ti alloys contributes to an increase in the content of the carbide phase [TiC]; the introduction of [Mo] stabilizes the value of hardness at elevated temperatures, increases heat resistance and hardness during dispersion hardening. Practical value. On the basis of the conducted research, economically alloyed wear-resistant alloys and the technology of their application were developed to restore the grooves of the matrices of hot metal stamping dies. The use of these alloys and the technology of their application ensures a reduction in energy and resource costs and an increase in the durability of the stamping tool.

Synergistic recovery of copper, lead and zinc via sulfurization–reduction method from copper smelting slag

Cu, Pb and Zn were synergistically recovered from copper smelting slag via the sulfurization–reduction method. Pyrite was used as the sulfurizing agent to selectively sulfurize and recover valuable metals lost in the slag in the reductive atmosphere. Thermodynamic analysis and laboratory experiments were carried out to determine the feasibility and reliability of this process. The optimal experimental conditions were defined as follows: a dosage of sulfurizing agent (pyrite) of 26%, 6% coke addition of copper smelting slag mass, and smelting at 1350 °C for 3 h. Under the optimum conditions, Cu, Pb and Zn recoveries were 97.58%, 89.91% and 98.20%, respectively. Cu, Pb and Zn contents in the cleaned slag were 0.10%, 0.01% and 0.38%, respectively. The matte contained 7.28% copper. The proportions of Zn entering the gas, slag and matte phases were 80.93%, 10.09% and 8.98%, respectively. The proportions of Pb entering the gas, slag and matte phases were 40.12%, 1.79% and 58.09%, respectively. The matte phase mainly comprised Cu8S5, FeS, and some metals, such as Cu, Pb and Fe. Fe3O4 in the slag was reduced from 19.50% to 2.97%.

Diffusion mechanism of solid waste product utilization pulping and fracture network grouting

China's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 has highlighted the pressing need for effective solid waste recycling. The reinforcement of mine water hazards has led to increased production costs due to the significant consumption of slurry. This study focuses on the development of mine crack grouting sealing and reinforcement materials using mine slag powder and waste rubber particles, along with cement reinforcement and alkali slag stimulation. The impact of water-cement ratio, rubber particle content, and slag mass fraction on slurry performance is analyzed, and the optimal values for these parameters are determined. A two-phase seepage simulation using COMSOL is conducted to investigate the flow and diffusion of slurry in a fractured network rock mass. The findings indicate that a water-cement ratio of 0.7 and a slag and rubber particle mass fraction of 70% and 30% respectively result in the slurry with favorable fluidity and mechanical properties. The diffusion pattern of the slurry in the fractured rock mass is characterized by vortex-like diffusion. The stability of the fractured rock mass is influenced by both grouting time and pressure, which should be carefully considered during on-site operations. This research has significant implications for the integrated prevention and control of mine water hazards and the large-scale utilization of high-dosage solid waste, thereby ensuring production safety, ecological environment safety, and sustainable development in mining areas.

Enhancing the properties of alkali-activated slag through dry ice addition: Investigation of hydration products and performance characteristics

To study the effect of dry ice on the performance of alkali-activated binders, we added dry ice to an alkali-activated slag (AAS). The addition amount was set to 5%, 10%, and 15% of the slag mass, depending on the amount of CO2 emitted by the material used in the preparation process. Microscopic experiments were performed to analyze the effect of dry ice on the hydration products of the AAS paste; transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to observe the morphology of the hydration products. Furthermore, experimental tests for the compressive strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity, and electrical resistivity were performed. The results showed that compared with the content of the overall reaction products, the effect of dry ice on the reaction rate was more evident. The addition of dry ice slowed the hydration of the AAS, and the production of the hydration products, such as calcium aluminum silicate hydrate (C-A-S-H) gels, was significantly reduced in the early stage (1 d). Experiments on the strength showed that adding more than 5% dry ice degraded the early mechanical properties of the AAS. However, the mechanical properties of the AAS with dry ice added in the middle (3 and 7 d) and late (28 d) stages rapidly improved because the dry ice was added to the AAS to form potassium and calcium carbonate. In the middle (3 and 7 d) and late (28 d) stages, CO32− underwent a carbonation reaction to form carbonate compounds, enhancing the mechanical properties of the AAS.

Numerical Simulation of CO2 Used for Slag Splashing Process in Converter

Utilizing CO2 for the slag splashing process presents a novel approach that enhances CO2 utilization in the steel industry and promotes efficient slag splashing. Herein, numerical simulation is employed to investigate the kinetic feasibility of this technique on a 100 t converter. The volume of fluid (VOF) model is utilized to trace the gas–slag interface, while the standard k–ε model is selected to describe the turbulent flow of each phase. Initially, the model is validated via isentropic theory and experimental data. Subsequently, the effects of gas and oxygen lance replacement are evaluated. The results indicate that employing CO2 solely instead of N2 leads to a reduction in jet velocity and slag mass flow rates at different positions. However, the utilization of the innovative oxygen lance slows down the jet decay and increases the slag mass flow rate at various heights and sidewalls, except for the lower cone, resulting in a satisfactory slag splashing performance. The present study verifies the feasibility of this new technology and its potential to contribute to CO2 reduction in the industry positively.

Steel Slag Decorated with Calcium Oxide and Cerium Oxide as a Solid Base for Effective Transesterification of Palm Oil

For further resource utilization of solid waste steel slag and the reduction in biodiesel production costs, this study used steel slag as a carrier to synthesize a CaO-CeO2/slag solid base catalyst for the effective transesterification of palm oil into fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs). The synthesis involved a two-step impregnation of steel slag with nitrate of calcium and cerium and thermal activation at 800 °C for 180 min. Then, the catalysts’ textural, chemical, and CO2 temperature-programmed desorption properties were characterized. The catalytic activity depended highly on the ratio of Ca-Ce to steel slag mass; the CaO-CeO2/slag-0.8 catalyst showed outstanding performance. Characterization showed that the surface area and total basicity of the Ca-Ce/slag-0.8 catalyst were 3.66 m2/g and 1.289 mmol/g, respectively. The reactivity results showed that FAMEs obtained using 7 wt.% catalyst, 9:1 of methanol-to-palm-oil molar ratio, 180 min reaction duration, and 70 °C reaction temperature was optimum (i.e., 95.3% yield). In addition, the CaO-CeO2/slag-0.8 catalyst could be reused for at least three cycles, retaining 91.2% of FAMEs yield after n-hexane washing. Hence, the catalyst exhibits an excellent potential for cost-effective and environmentally friendly biodiesel production.

Nanoparticles of (calcium/aluminum/CTAB) layered double hydroxide immobilization onto iron slag for removing of cadmium ions from aqueous environment

The novel point of this study represents by manufacturing new material for treating of aqueous solution laden with cadmium ions. This can achieve through utilizing of alum as cheapest and available substance, plaster kiln dust wastes from gypsum industry, and cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide surfactant in the preparation of nano-sized layered double hydroxide of aluminum and calcium in the existence of mentioned surfactant. The gel-solution of nanoparticles can be co-precipitated on the iron slag to obtain new sorbent identified “iron-slag coated with (calcium/aluminum- cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide) layered double hydroxide” and composition of all materials was characterized by analysis of X-ray diffraction. The outcomes proved that the area of slag surfaces was increased significantly from 0.49 to 10.21 m2/g due to the surfactant intercalation and precipitation of nanoparticles. The synthesis parameters require surfactant 0.035 g/50 mL, pH 10, molar ratio of (calcium/aluminum) 2, and mass of slag 1 g/50 mL. Batch tests proved that more than 99.3% cadmium can remove at time 60 min, initial pH 7, coated slag mass 0.5 g/50 mL, and speed 250 rpm for 50 mg/L initial concentration to obtain highest capacity of sorption of 14.50 mg/g. The measurements of kinetic tests were well followed the model of Pseudo second-order and; accordingly, the chemisorption mechanism will predominate the removal process. Model of intra-particle diffusion demonstrate that the electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonding and diffusion are major mechanisms required in the cadmium removal onto the prepared sorbent. Also, Langmuir model is an ideal formula for representing the sorption data with determination coefficient = 0.99. Characterization tests certified that the nanoparticles on the slag can play a prime role in the enhancement of cadmium sorption. In addition, the exhausted sorbent can be regenerated and its efficiency was not less than 83% for removal of cadmium after 9 regeneration cycles.

Alkali-activated slag mortar molded by non-stirring molding: Compressive strength, hydration properties and microstructures

Alkali-activated slag (AAS) characterized by fast hardening and high early strength has potential application prospects in concrete canvas (CC), where a non-stirring molding method is required to prepare mortar. This paper provides a new method for the preparation of alkali-activated slag mortar (AASM) by non-stirring (sprinkling-molding), where mechanical properties, hydration properties, and microstructures were investigated. The results suggest that the compressive strength of the sprinkling-molding mortar was slightly lower than that of the conventional stirring-molding mortar, and the compressive strength with sodium silicate content of 15 % the slag mass at 28d can reach 44.5 MPa. The hydration products are dominated by amorphous C-A-S-H gels, with small amounts of hydrotalcite. There are differences in degree of hydration and microstructures of each layer in the sprinkling-molding mortar.

Computational Modelling on Gasification Processes of Municipal Solid Wastes Including Molten Slag

The formulation of the CFD-DEM model, CD-MELT, is established in this study to include three-phase non-isothermal processes with simultaneous combustion and melting for gasification simulations. To demonstrate the model capability, CD-MELT is used to assess the need for slag recycling for the non-isothermal melting of municipal solid wastes (MSW) in a prototype waste-to-energy research facility. The simulation encompasses the full fixed-bed slagging gasification process, including chemical reactions and melting of MSW and slag. In order to assess the need for slag recycling, comparisons are made for the two cases of with and without, in terms of the slag mass, liquid slag volume fraction, exit gas composition, and temperature distribution in the gasifier. The prediction results enable the tracking of liquid molten slag as it permeates through the solids-packed bed for the first time in the literature as far as we are aware, which is crucial to address design considerations such as distribution of bed temperature and optimal location for slag-tap holes at the bottom, as well as potential slag clogging within the porous media. The model also predicts an uneven and intermittent slag permeation through the packed bed without the recycling, and provides a plausible explanation for the operators’ experience of why slag recycling is important for process stability. Finally, the predicted slag outlet temperature using the proposed CFD approach also agrees well with the measurement data published in an earlier case study for the same facility.

Studying the geobarier ability of furnace slag

Environmental pollution with mining waste containing dangerous metal cations necessitates the development of technologies for their disposal. This study proposes the use of blast furnace slag as a geobarrier for binding heavy metal cations. Such parameters as slag mass, temperature and time were used to determine the degree of binding of ferum and zinc cations when they are present together. A central rotatable composite experimental design was used to verify the results. According to the plan, the experiments were performed and the optimal conditions were determined with the help of statistical analysis. It was noted that a simultaneous increase in temperature and treatment time increases the degree of conversion for both ferric and zinc cations. An increase in the mass of slag leads to a decrease in the temperature and interaction time for ferum and zinc cations. However, for zinc cations, the maximum degree of conversion is 43.3% with their simultaneous presence. Experimental results showed that slag was more effective as a base for binding ferum and zinc cations with a conversion rate of 63.3% in concentrated solutions. The resulting regularities allow, by varying the process parameters, to bind metal cations in their joint presence.

DISTRIBUTION OF METAL DROPLETS BETWEEN GAS AND SLAG PHASES DURING BUCKET BATH BLOWING

Losses of metal with slag falling from the surface of the molten cast iron at the loading plants after the end of the ladle desulfurization process and losses with metal drops leaving the ladle bath when gas bubbles exit and break on its surface affect the cost and energy efficiency of the operation. Blowing a mixture of dispersed magnesium with lime into the ladle bath in the conditions of cast iron desulphurization plant PrJSC "KAMET—STEEL" leads to an increase in both the viscosity and the mass of the ladle slag, with an increase in the metal content in the form of balls in the ladle slag to 65— 80 %.
 The purpose of the work is to study the peculiarities of the removal of metal drops into the surrounding space, which are formed after the bursting of gas bubbles, when they fall on the surface of the ladle bath. To realize the set goal, a series of high—temperature experiments with simulation of bath purging during bucket desulfurization of cast iron were conducted in the laboratory conditions of the Department of metallurgy of ferrous metals and pressure metal processing of DSTU. A study of the features of removal and loss of cast iron with drops during overflows of the latter shows that some of the drops explode in flight with the release of brown smoke and the formation of drops of smaller sizes than the "mother" drop. Despite favorable conditions, part of the drops reach the surface of the bath or fly beyond it without exploding. Using the obtained experimental data, a model of the release of gas bubbles on the surface of the bath and an algorithm for calculating the indicators of the movement of metal drops formed from a metal film on the surface of gas bubbles after their rupture are proposed. It was determined that the most probable condition for blowing out the bath in a 230-ton bucket is the departure of metal drops from the surface of the bath at angles in the range of 35...45 degrees. The decisive role of the physicochemical properties of the slag cover and the expediency of further improvement of the blowing mode and slag regime of ladle desulphurization of processing cast iron have been confirmed.