The simulation of basic oxygen furnace process (BOF) deals with several complex physical and chemical phenomena.
An exact model allows the optimization of the tap to tap time which reduces the operation costs and increases the productivity of
the steel plant. Based on several assumptions a new model for BOF converter has been developed with the program MatLab®. A
thermodynamic and kinetic background makes it possible to simulate the behavior of elements in metal and slag. The converter
steelmaking process is described by using one reaction zone as a heterogeneous thermodynamic system. Nearly all components
can be conveyed between slag and metal phase as a result of simultaneous oxidation-reduction reactions on the interaction surface.
Carbon is an exception due to carbon monoxide which is the oxidation product and is transferred to the gas phase.
This paper deals mainly with the effect of the interfacial surface on the rate of chemical reactions between metal and formed slag.
The first assumption of the contact area is based on the converter geometry. Further considerations include the viscosity of the formed
slag and the change of the reaction area caused by the formation of droplets in the emulsions phase of the blowing process. The rate
limiting step of the reactions in the converter are based on material transport due to the high temperatures meanwhile the blowing. A
comparison of both assumptions presents the importance of an optimal description of the interaction area.