Carbon Steel Desulfurization

Steelmaking involves two main stages: furnace oxidation followed by ladle (or secondary) refining. Slag plays a crucial role throughout this process, as it helps ensure clean, high-quality steel by protecting the molten metal, absorbing impurities, and supporting desulfurization. Removing sulphur is particularly important because its presence lowers steel quality. The effectiveness of desulfurization depends on the slag’s properties—such as its capacity, basicity, and viscosity—as well as the oxidation levels of both steel and slag, specific reaction conditions, and temperature. Sulphur is primarily eliminated through interactions between the slag and molten steel, with both rising slag droplets and the surface slag layer playing a part. Effective slag management not only reduces impurities but also protects refractory linings and enhances the overall quality of the finished steel.