High Temperature Characterization of CO2 Treated Fluxed Pellets Developed for Basic Oxygen Steel Making

Presently, use of lump lime in BOF is often associated with operational problem due to its high melting point (similar to 2 700 degrees C), poor dissolution property, fines generation, hygroscopic nature. Lime in combination with iron oxide is expected to quickly dissolve into steel making bath to produce low melting point oxidizing slag and to make the refining process faster. In current study, the suitability of a fluxed pellet containing 20-40% lime and waste iron oxides, developed through a novel binderless palletizing process where the strength was developed by CO2 treatment at room temperature has been tested for use in BOF The pellets were characterized at low temperature as well as high temperature. The softening point of pellet was determined by TG-DTA and fusion study was carried out in muffle furnace. The results indicate early melting in BOF operating temperature. The pellet exhibited reasonable thermal shock resistance property, considered essential for the intended use in BOF. Deterioration of (Cold Crushing Strength) CCS on high temperature treatment is not likely to restrict its use in steel making furnace.