Thermodynamic simulation of slag–refractories interactions in innovative slag-splashing processes in converters

The innovative slag-splashing process in converters enables the reuse of CO₂. However, the changes in slag–refractories interactions after applying the new technique are not yet clear. In this work, an approach was developed to thermodynamically simulate the slag–refractories interactions in slag-splashing processes. Firstly, the simulation was validated. Subsequently, the differences in traditional and innovative slag-splashing processes were compared, and the effects of slag carbon addition, CO₂ consumption, and refractories composition on slag–refractories interactions were investigated. It was found that after applying the new technique, the mass of the high-melting-point solid solution increased, and the liquid slag had a better bonding effect on the refractories and the external mechanical bonding layer. Increasing the slag carbon addition and CO₂ consumption both led to an increase in high-melting-point solid solution. However, increasing the slag carbon addition favoured the bonding of liquid slag to the refractories, while increasing the CO₂ consumption weakened the bonding ability of the liquid slag. The increase of C in MgO–C refractories resulted in an increase in Fe and CO production. Due to the deterioration of slag wettability on refractories, the increase in C is detrimental to the converter slag-splashing process.