An investigation on reduction of magnetite content of the converter slag using scrap metals

摘要

The main factor that is responsible for the bottom build-up in the reverberatory furnaces is the magnetite content of the converter slag which is normally returned to the reverb for its copper content to be extracted. In this research, the reduction of Fe_3O_4 present in the converter slag via scrap metals before being returned to the reverb has been investigated. For this, an amount of 300 g converter slag mixed with a specific amount of scrap metal were placed in a crucible inside an electrical furnace at a temperature of 1250℃ for specific periods of time. The crucible was then withdrawn from the furnace and when the mixture was cooled down, it was subjected to chemical analysis. The results obtained for these experiments showed that the Fe_3O_4 of the converter slag could be reduced at various efficiencies. The best time and the amount of scrap metals were 20 minutes and 3.45 g respectively. Under these conditions the percentage of the magnetite content of the converter slag could be reduced from an initial amount of 23.85% to about 9%, which is equivalent to the magnetite content in the reverb slag.