Estimating the physical properties of slags
KC Mills, L Yuan, RT Jones
The objective of this work was to provide process engineers with
values of the physical properties of various slag systems involved in
high-temperature processes. Software that calculates the thermophysical
properties of slags from chemical composition is available
on the www.pyrometallurgy.co.za website. This paper outlines the
principles underlying the various models available in the program.
The software calculates the following properties of crystalline,
glassy, and liquid slags (where appropriate) as a function of
temperature: heat capacity, enthalpy, density, viscosity, thermal
conductivity, electrical conductivity, and surface tension. We hope,
in the future, to update the program to (i) add new models as they
become available, (ii) remove any ‘bugs’ discovered in existing
programs, and (iii) provide guidance on the limitations of individual
programs.
Keywords: pyrometallurgy, molten, slag, physical properties, heat capacity,
enthalpy, density, viscosity, thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity,
surface tension.