THE THERMAL TREATMENT OF ELECTRIC ARC FURNACE DUST UNDER LOW GAS PHASE PRESSURE

The paper presents the results of laboratory tests on the process of thermal reduction of electric arc furnace dust (EAFD) in the temperature range from 1273 to 1473 K. Before proceeding to the experimental tests, a thermodynamic analysis was made using the computer program FactSagec((a)) with the aim of determining the optimal conditions for the dust components reduction reaction to proceed. The results of tests carried out, respectively, under atmospheric pressure conditions and under reduced pressure conditions are presented, where carbon in the form of graphite and blast-furnace dust (containing approx. 40% of carbon) was used as the reducer. The test results represent the effect of reduced pressure on the potential for intensifying the process of zinc removal from the dust. The degree of zinc extraction was considerably higher compared to the results of tests carried out under atmospheric pressure conditions.