Iron carburization in powdery iron ore and pulverized coal mixture during smelting reduction

Iron carburization during smelting reduction is especially important reaction step from the viewpoint of saving energy in iron making process. The purpose of this study is to clarify that the effect of smelting reduction on the iron carburization. The sample was prepared from graphite, electrolytic iron powder and synthetic slag including iron oxide to simulate iron carburization during smelting reduction in the mixture. "In-situ" observation of the sample was done by a laser microscope during heating process. The sample was quenched just after the sample meltdown, and carbon content in the formed nugget was analyzed. From the experimental results, it was found that carbon content in the nugget became higher when smelting reduction occurred.