Compacted Lime Composition for Low-Loss Molten Metal Dephosphorization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dephosphorization processes in molten metal refining suffer from high lime loss due to the generation of fines during transport and handling, leading to increased costs and process duration, which is not acceptable in the competitive refining industry.

Innovation Solution

A process using a compacted calcium-magnesium compound lime composition with a Shatter Test Index of less than 10% is introduced, which reduces lime loss by 50% and enhances dephosphorization efficiency without adding complexity to the refining process, achieving a refined metal with a phosphorus content lower than 0.02 w%.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If pebble or powdery lime composition is charged into the converter, then the dephosphorization process can proceed, but significant lime loss occurs due to generation of fines during transport and handling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelime lossVSAvoidhandling and transport
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses composite lime compositions containing calcium-magnesium compounds combined with binding agents that form agglomerates or pellets. These composite structures reduce fine particle generation during handling while maintaining dephosphorization effectiveness, directly addressing the lime loss problem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical parameters of the lime composition by controlling particle size distribution, moisture content, and mechanical strength through specific formulation and processing methods. This transforms the lime from a powdery state prone to dispersion into a structured form that resists breaking into fines during transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of substance

If the lime composition is charged in pebble or powdery state, then it can be easily transported, but the lime generates fines during handling leading to increased costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelime lossVSAvoidfines generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The lime composition is formulated as a composite material with calcium-magnesium compounds bound together using binding agents. This composite structure prevents the lime from breaking into fine particles during handling operations, reducing both lime loss and the generation of unwanted fines that会增加 costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs a disposable charge of structured lime composition that maintains its integrity throughout handling and performs its dephosphorization function efficiently during the steelmaking process, after which it is removed as slag along with the phosphorus impurities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Manufacturing precision

If conventional lime composition is used, then the process is simple, but dephosphorization efficiency is insufficient to achieve phosphorus content below 0.02 w%

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephosphorus content controlVSAvoidlime composition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The structured lime composition uses composite calcium-magnesium compounds with specific ratios and binding agents that enhance dephosphorization efficiency. This composite formulation enables achieving phosphorus content below 0.02 w% while the structure itself simplifies the charging process compared to conventional powdery lime.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention optimizes chemical parameters including calcium-to-magnesium ratio, oxide content distribution, and binding agent selection to maximize phosphorus removal efficiency. These parameter changes enable precise control of final phosphorus content while maintaining a relatively simple charge preparation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The compacted lime composition improves dephosphorization efficiency by increasing contact duration and optimizing slag formation, reducing phosphorus content to less than 0.02 w% in the refined metal while minimizing process duration and costs.

Implementation Method 1

blowing oxygen into said vessel forming slag with said first lime composition charged into said vessel dephosphorization of hot metal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

blowing oxygen into said vessel forming slag with said first lime composition charged into said vessel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSlag formation:

Data Source

PatentEP3242958B2Process for dephosphorization of molten metal during a refining process
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 LHOIST RECH & DEV SA

AI summary

Process for dephosphorization of molten metal during a refining process using a lime composition in the form of compacted particles having a Shatter Test Index of less than 20%, leading to a refined metal reduced in phosphorus components to the extent that the refined metal reduced in phosphorus is showing a phosphorus content lower than 0.02 w% based on the total weight of the refined metal reduced in phosphorus.