Rheology of blast furnace slags with defined concentrations of titanium oxides

The applying of burden materials containing titanium compounds in the blast furnace process and the processes of forming titanium carbides and nitrides has a directly impact on the physical and chemical properties of slag and pig iron. Thereby affecting the course of the process, its efficiency and economy. It is known that the dynamic viscosity coefficient of slag - with an increased titanium compounds content in the reducing conditions of the blast furnace - may rapidly change. The products of the reduction reaction, precipitation and separation of titanium compounds are responsible for the thickening effect of the slag and the problems of permeability of blast furnace, causing anomalies in the functioning of the unit. The presence of solid components (particles) in the melts determines the rheological character of the entire system. Authors have performed a rheological study of synthetic furnace slag concentration of TiO2 in the range of 6% to 30%. The measurements were performed at temperatures in the range between 1310-1490 degrees C. The obtained results made it possible to analyze the rheological characteristics of liquid and semi-solid slag systems and produce flow curves. Identifying the rheological character of semi-solid slag systems provides opportunities for the development of a mathematical model of liquid phase flow in a dripping zone of the blast furnace, allowing for example to indentify the unstable parts of a metallurgical aggregate.