The effect of pressure in the atmosphere on desulfurization of hot metal and reaction mechanism with magnesium

Experimental and theoretical studies were carried out to clarify the effect of pressure in the atmosphere on desulfurization of hot metal and reaction mechanism with magnesium (Mg). Desulfurization rate and the efficiency of Mg supplied for desulfurization were increased with the increase in the pressure. The pressurization from 0.098 MPa to 0.294 MPa improves the efficiency of Mg supplied for desulfurization by 13%. The rate determining steps for desulfurization were theoretically analyzed and compared with the experimental data. At the early stage of treatment in the region of low [Mg] and high [S], desulfurization rate is controlled by diffusion of Mg. At the final stage of treatment in the region of high [Mg] and low [S], the rate determining step for desulfurization changes to the diffusion of sulfur in hot metal.