4. Dephosphorization

4.1 General

Dephosphorization is a classic metallurgical operation which reduces the phosphorus content of steel to a specified value. The various industrial processes revolve around the oxidation of phosphorus and the trapping of the oxide formed by a slag, which is then removed. To be effective, the slag must be basic, which also implies the use of a basic refractory for the construction of the furnace lining.

4.2 Oxidation law

In an oxidizing environment, phosphorus oxidizes according to the...