Estudo de equilíbrios químicos relevantes em aciaria através do software FactSage Education 8.0

Abstract

Thermodynamics is a powerful tool in understanding and predicting the processes involved on steelmaking, however, due to the complexity of some processes, its use is limited or neglected to a more empirical approach. The popularization of computers and the development of physical models led to the development of programs dedicated exclusively to thermodynamics, allowing an effectively resolution of thermodynamic problems. The present work aims to apply the educational version of the FactSage program in thermodynamic equilibria common to a modern steelmaking plant. Calculations were performed using the classic thermodynamics approach and, based on the results, tables and diagrams were generated. These results were compared with those obtained through computational thermodynamics software and with the consulted literature. It is concluded that the tool, despite its limitations, is a great ally of the steelmaker in understanding the steel refining processes, by allowing a quick, direct and relatively simple assessment. It proved to be a tool with great potential for a better understanding of thermodynamic phenomena in the teaching of thermodynamics. However, it is not an intuitive tool, requiring a certain degree of user training. Keywords: Computacional Thermodynamics. Steelmaking.