Abstract
This study investigates the melting behavior of direct reduced iron (DRI) pellets in molten slag and steel baths, focusing on how the carbon content influences the melting rate through the stirring effects of gas evolution on heat transfer. A computational model using COMSOL Multiphysics 6.1 is developed to simulate the temperature profile at the pellet's core and the gas evolution resulting from the reaction between FeO and carbon within the pellet. The model is validated using experimental data from this study as well as literature on the DRI pellet–molten slag system. Results indicate that, despite the increased enthalpy demand associated with the gas-generating reactions, higher carbon content enhances heat transfer within the pellet, leading to an increased melting rate. The computational model accurately predicts gas generation and temperature profiles, aligning well with experimental observations. Overall, the findings demonstrate that increasing the carbon content in DRI pellets accelerates the melting process.
Recommended Citation
F. A. Calderon Hurtado et al., "Melting Behavior of Direct Reduced Iron Pellets with Different Carbon Content in Molten Steel and Molten Slag," Materials, vol. 18, no. 20, article no. 4749, MDPI, Oct 2025.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18204749
Department(s)
Materials Science and Engineering
Publication Status
Open Access
Keywords and Phrases
carbon; computational simulation; direct reduced iron (DRI); electric arc furnace (EAF); heat transfer coefficient
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
1996-1944
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Final Version
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2025 The Authors, All rights reserved.
Creative Commons Licensing
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Publication Date
01 Oct 2025
