High temperature dephosphorus behavior of Baotou mixed rare earth concentrate with carbon

Based on the carbothermal reduction technology applied in industry, the dephosphorization behavior of Baotou mixed rare earth concentrate (Baotite) with carbon at high temperature was investigated. The experimental results showed that both the charred coal and the coking coal were effective carbonaceous reductants for the dephosphorization of the Baotite. Among them, the charred coal was more suitable for the dephosphorus due to its high carbon content and lower volatile and ash. When the rare earth pellets, made by pressing the mixture of the Baotite, charred coal and water in mould, were roasted at 1500 °C for 2 h, its dephosphorus rate was as high as 98%. Roasting temperature was a main factor for the dephosphorus rate, and roast time was the second one. The size of both charred coal and coking coal also had influence on the dephosphorus, and was better less than 150 μm.