Refractory Life Extension and Fluorspar Elimination in the AOD Process (REFLAOD)
Purpose and goal
The aim of the project is to combine different fields of study to delivering a well-rounded solution to eliminating flourspar use in the AOD process. Industrial AOD trials will be carried out to investigate the impact of using alumina-based fluxing agents on process conditions and on steel quality. Laboratory studies facilitates process optimization through the identification of optimal slag compositions with the suitable properties, minimal refractory wear, and the best recycling potential.
Expected effects and result
The expected outcome of this project includes industrial know-how for reducing flourspar consumption in the AOD process, in-depth knowledge about high-temperature slag properties and refractory wear, and educated workforce (PhD, MSc) that may join the Swedish metals industry. The technical solutions developed in this project is expected to become a part of the daily production routine of the stainless steel producers and the knowledge gained will spur development in other areas of steelmaking.
Planned approach and implementation
The project consists of five work packages for the holistic development of the project idea: WP1 concerns project management and dissemination, WP2 concerns industrial AOD trials and the analysis of results, WP3 concerns laboratory studies of slag properties and refractory wear, WP4 concerns CFD simulation of refractory wear, and WP5 explores the valorization options of flourine-free AOD slags.
The text has been written by the project team. The content is copied from the funding agency’s website and has not been reviewed by the Program Office.