Dissolution of multicomponents during hydrothermal leaching of LF desulfurization slag

In light of the multicomponent dissolution equilibrium during the hydrothermal leaching of LF desulfurization slag, thermodynamic calculations were made and the dissolution equilibrium curves of calcium, aluminum and sulfur were plotted to analyze the interactions between these components and their influence on sulfur leaching. Furthermore, slag leaching experiments were conducted to investigate variation of pH and concentration of major components in the leaching solution. The results show that CaS(s) is easily soluble in water, and when pH>11. 4, CaS(s) dissolves to form Ca(OH)2(s). Use of hydrothermal leaching for sulfur removal from LF desulfurization slag is theoretically feasible. CaSO4(s) is difficult to dissolve and its solubility is always lower than that of CaS(s); therefore, slag oxidation affects negatively sulfur leaching. However, when the pH of the leaching environment is controlled to be above 12. 3, CaSO4(s) is gradually transformed into Ca(OH)2(s). Al2(SO4)3(s) is easily soluble, and it is unlikely that Al will react with sulfur in the solution to form a precipitate. The pH of the leaching solution rises with time and remains at about 12. Calcium concentration in the leaching solution is high, while Al concentration is low. Sulfur concentration in the solution increases with time, and Al in the slag has little effect on sulfur leaching. It is thus concluded that hydrothermal leaching is effective in removing sulfur from LF desulfurization slag.