Oxygen is an important raw material for steel production, used both as a fuel and to adjust the composition of the steel. The primary use of oxygen in steelmaking is to counteract the effect of carbon in the raw material, helping to produce a higher-quality end product.
Oxygen in steelmaking is used to increase the levels of carbon in molten iron, the primary alloy in steel making, which in turn will increase the strength and hardness of the steel, improving its properties and quality. Oxygen can also be used to reduce the levels of sulfur or phosphorus in steel, as both can be detrimental to the desired properties of the finished product.
Large steel plants often use an oxygen plant in order to generate the oxygen they need for the steelmaking process. Oxygen plants are normally designed to supply up to 95% oxygen in gaseous form, while the remainder is made up of nitrogen and trace impurities. The use of an oxygen plant also minimizes the need for manual handling of the oxygen, reducing the risk of damage and making the entire system more efficient.
The use of oxygen in steelmaking typically follows two main production processes. In primary steel production oxygen is used to produce a blast furnace atmosphere for converting the raw materials into iron. Oxygen is introduced into the furnace at a pressure of 0.2 to 0.3 atmospheres, and is blown onto the hot iron to oxidize it and thus produce steel.
Secondary steel production, such as refining and alloy additions, also often requires oxygen. In electric arc furnace steelmaking, oxygen is blown directly through lances at the molten steel bath to improve its composition. This process often takes place in small-scale steel mills and produces products of a higher quality than those made with traditional blast furnace technology.
In conclusion, oxygen is a critical component in steelmaking both in primary and secondary steel production. Its key benefits include increasing the carbon levels in molten iron, reducing the levels of sulfur and phosphorus and improving the quality of the end product. Oxygen plants can be used to increase the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of steel production.
