Abstract
Commonly, desulfurization in steelmaking is accomplished via oxidic slags, a process intrinsically linked with carbon dioxide emissions. A novel approach to desulfurization of liquid steel using hydrogen gas top-blowing is presented in this paper. Based on a previous thermodynamic simulation, the possibility of hydrogen as a desulfurization agent was discussed and proved in practical experiments at a temperature of 1600 °C. Hydrogen flow rate and treatment time have been varied to gain understanding of achievable final sulfur content and kinetics of the desulfurization reaction. A desulfurization of up to 82,85 % has been observedModels for the final sulfur content as functions of hydrogen flow rate and treatment time have been proposed and fitted to the obtained data. Evaporation of manganese was observed as well and models predicting final manganese content as functions of hydrogen flow rate and treatment time have been proposed, analogous to desulfurization. Analysis of variances (ANOVA) has been carried out to determine that obtained results are significant, and that hydrogen flow rate and treatment time are interacting factors for both desulfurization and manganese evaporation and cannot be considered in isolation. Mass flow conditions have been considered as well. Cost calculations show the possible economic feasibility of the technology.