Study on the influence of different contents of impure CaO on the process of electromelting magnesia

Purpose The aim of this study is to report the effect of different content of calcium oxide on the process of electromelting magnesia. Design/methodology/approach The process of molten magnesia was analyzed by finite element simulation and proved by scanning electron microscope. Findings The results show that with the increase of CaO content, the maximum temperature appreciation increases from 3,616°C To 3,729°C, showing an approximate nonlinear evolution. Low thermal conductivity and low specific heat of CaO result in higher temperature. With the increase of CaO content and temperature, the maximum flow velocity of MgO slag increases from 0.043 to 1.34 mm/s. Under different initial CaO contents, the distribution trend of CaO volume fraction is basically the same, and the CaO volume fraction is evenly distributed between 50 and 225 mm in the furnace. Originality/value The influence of different contents of impurity calcium oxide on the process of electromelting magnesia was analyzed and a theoretical system was established.