LAUSR

Abstract Powder injection metallurgy can effectively improve the reaction efficiency, ameliorate the properties, and reduce the production cost of steel. This paper reviews recent innovations in submerged gas-powder injection technologies in the converter steelmaking, electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking, and ladle refining processes. Using bottom-blowing O2-lime powder converter steelmaking, the average weight of slag per ton of steel decreased by 11.2 kg and the average content of smelting end-point [P] decreased by 0.005% compared with conventional converter steelmaking because of the improved reaction efficiency. In side-blowing O2 + CO2-lime/carbon powder EAF steelmaking, O2 + CO2‑carbon powder injection reduced the electrical energy consumption by 60 kWh/t, and the phosphorus content and losses of FeO and T.Fe were reduced by 0.0054%, 8.3%, and 5.7%, respectively. In the bottom-blowing Ar-lime powder refining ladle process, the desulfurization rates reached 69.33% and 68.97%–77.42% in laboratory experiments and industrial tests, respectively, by injecting lime powder. Based on the characteristics of metallurgy processes, by combining the endothermic and stirring-enhancing features of CO2 gas, a new recycling process for CO2 in steel enterprises is proposed and analyzed to extend the application of submerged gas-powder injection metallurgy.