5. Mass transfer at interfaces

Many metallurgical processes include a metal refining stage based on a pyro-metallurgical extraction process. This is the case, for example, with desulfurization and dephosphorization reactions found in refining and purification processes for liquid metals such as steel or silicon.

Pyrometallurgical extraction, carried out at high temperature and in a non-aqueous environment, involves redox reactions to transfer undesirable elements from the liquid metal to a slag of oxides placed as a cover, or from the cover salt to a metal matrix. These heterogeneous reactions are characterized by the presence of an interface between the two immiscible liquid phases. Experimental and theoretical studies have shown that interfacial agitation plays a key role in accelerating mass transfer between liquid metal and slag.

A process based on the use of a cold...