A process optimization on high temperature electrolytic desulfurization in hot metal pretreatment using magnesit-based desulfurizer

A magnesite-based desulfurizer was used for removing sulfur from hot metal by means of high temperature electrolysis technique. Through carrying out orthogonal factorial experiments it was found that the effect of the electric current on desulfurization is more significant than that of temperature. Results of single-tailed test show that when the temperature is constant, the desulfurization rate first increases with the increase of the current to a maximum value, and then, after dropping to the lowest level, gradually increases again as the current further increases. Finally, an optimum experimental condition is obtained as temperature of 1 400 °C and current of 1 A, achieving a desulfurization rate of 47,6 wt./% /min, which corresponds to a desulfurization efficiency of 62,6 %