In the steel production process, sulfur is a harmful impurity that affects the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of steel. In this context, desulfurization by using ammonium sulfate has become an important method to improve the quality of steel. This article will introduce in detail the principle, application process and specific impact of ammonium sulfate desulfurization on steel quality.
Ammonium sulfate ((NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 ) is a common chemical reagent. At high temperatures, ammonium sulfate can decompose to produce ammonia and sulfuric acid gases, which react with sulfides in steel to remove sulfur impurities. This process can be represented by the following chemical reaction:
(NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 → 2NH 3 + H 2 SO 4
H 2 SO 4 + FeS → FeSO 4 + H 2 S
In actual production, the ammonium sulfate desulfurization process mainly includes the following steps:
First, the steel to be desulfurized is placed in a reaction vessel.
Ammonium sulfate is added to the reaction vessel at high temperature. It begins to decompose and react with the sulfides in the steel to form sulfides and other by-products that are easily removed.
Byproducts of the reaction, such as ammonia and sulfuric acid, are removed to ensure the reaction proceeds smoothly and is environmentally safe.
After the chemical reaction is complete, the treated steel is further processed to produce high-quality steel.
In trials at some steel mills, the ammonium sulfate desulfurization process effectively reduced the sulfur content in steel. This not only improved the mechanical properties of steel, but also enhanced its corrosion resistance. For example, a steel mill reported that through ammonium sulfate desulfurization, the sulfur content in steel decreased by 30%, while its tensile strength and corrosion resistance increased by 15% and 20% respectively.
Although ammonium sulfate desulfurization has significant advantages in steel production, it still faces some challenges. First, high-temperature decomposition of ammonium sulfate may cause environmental pollution problems. Second, how to effectively deal with the reaction by-products is also an urgent problem to be solved.
Looking ahead, with the continuous advancement of environmental protection technology and reaction processes, the application of ammonium sulfate desulfurization in the steel industry is expected to become more extensive and efficient. Continuous research and optimization will help overcome existing technical bottlenecks, thereby further improving steel quality and achieving sustainable development.
In summary, ammonium sulfate desulfurization is an effective steel desulfurization method that can significantly improve the quality and performance of steel. Through in-depth research and continuous improvement, this method will play a greater role in future steel production and provide strong support for the development of the industry.