Phosphorus distribution ratio between red mud based fluxes and hot metal

The aluminum industry generates about 100 million tonnes of bauxite residue or red mud each year. Previous research shows that could be utilized as a refining flux with a high capacity to absorb sulphur during the pre-treatment of hot metal in the steel industry. The present study looks into the feasibility of using the red mud for the dephosphorization of hot metal. The equilibrium distribution of phosphorus between the red mud based fluxes and hot metal was measured using the pure solid iron foil technique. This was used to determine the phosphorus distribution ratios between the red mud based fluxes and hot metal. The effect of the iron oxide on the phosphorus partition ratio between the fluxes and hot metal dephosphorization was investigated at 1300°C and 1400°C using iron crucibles and argon gas. It was confirmed that the phosphate capacity increased with increasing iron oxide content and basicity. Copyright © 2013 MS&T'13®.