David Dussault, Adam Powell
Electric Field-Enhanced Smelting and Refining is a technique that accelerates the reaction between carbon in molten iron and iron oxide in slag through the introduction of electrodes. This study details a mesoscopic two-phase model that captures multicomponent diffusion in the slag and fluid dynamics in both the slag and metal phases around the cathode, driven by chemical and electrical potentials. The model employs a phase field approach to represent the diffuse interface, allowing it to account for electrocapillarity effects, vital for understanding the dynamics at play. The electric field results in accelerated reaction kinetics, making the process first-order in ferrous ion concentration and limited by its transport to the cathode. The research highlights the critical formation of dendrite-like liquid iron fingers during reduction and the importance of cathode design on kinetics. Model solutions illustrate two-dimensional liquid iron finger growth, noting limitations such as the assumption of exclusive ferrous ion presence in slag and the inability to represent finger breakup adequately due to the two-dimensional nature of the model. Future work will involve developing a three-dimensional model to better predict mass transfer relationships in this process.
@article{ab48549c-2dc6-414b-84e1-23063b7f38f4,
title={A Model of the Cathode Dynamics in Electric Field-Enhanced Smelting and Refining of Steel},
author={David Dussault and Adam Powell},
year={2026},
language={en}
}TY - JOUR TI - A Model of the Cathode Dynamics in Electric Field-Enhanced Smelting and Refining of Steel AU - David Dussault AU - Adam Powell PY - 2026 LA - en ER -
Mark E. Schlesinger, Matthew J. King
This book presents a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of copper extraction metallurgy. The objective is to provide both a theore
Roger Rumbu
Alain Vignes
Extractive metallurgy is a critical field that encompasses the processes involved in the extraction of valuable metals from their ores. This work serv
Avinash Kandalam, Markus A. Reuter
Part I of this series of papers focuses on plant and reactor engineering aspects of the TSL reactor technology. A general flowsheet is presented, whil
Giulio Antunes de Medeiros, Jose Adilson de Castro
In the pursuit of carbon-neutral steelmaking, the need for alternative reducing agents such as hydrogen and bio-based fuels has gained prominence as s
Sabrianah Badaruddin, Alif Nur Laili Rachmah
Exhaust gas emission management is a critical aspect of pyrometallurgical nickel smelting because it directly affects energy efficiency, operational s