Evaluation of experimental data and models of iron blast furnace slag viscosity

The blast furnace (BF) is widely used all over the world to produce high quality iron with high efficiency and low energy consumption. Blast furnace slag, formed by ore gangue, coke ash and flux, plays an important role in BF operation. In order to have a smooth operation and higher production, the slag should have some characteristics, such as small volume, easy slag-metal separation, good desulphurization capacity, stable composition, good fluidity and so on. Viscosity is one of the important physical properties to obtain the optimum slag composition. If the viscosity is too high, it will be hard for burden to descend and gas to rise. And the separation of slag-metal will slow down which leads to a bad operation and low production. Hence, it is important to control the viscosity of the slags for optimum BF operation. The aim of the present study was to develop an accurate and reliable viscosity model for the iron-making industry. Development of a reliable viscosity model requires accurate viscosity measurements. Although a large number of experimental data of viscosity have been reported, they have to be evaluated before they are used for the optimisation of the viscosity model.