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Dephosphorization has always been a challenging task in the steelmaking process. In the traditional studies, CaO-based steelmaking slag was usually treated as a homogeneous liquid phase to analyze the dephosphorization equilibrium between molten slag and hot metal (slag/metal). In fact, the slag shows a coexisting state of both liquid and solid at steelmaking temperature. In recent years, multi-phase slag refining has been proposed and proved to be an efficient technique to improve the utilization of solid lime and the dephosphorization efficiency in steelmaking practices. The present review focuses on hot issues for the multi-phase slag refining, including the dissolution of solid lime to the molten slag, the formation of 2CaO·SiO2 and phosphorus-rich solid solution of 2CaO·SiO2-3CaO·P2O5, as well as the phosphorus distribution ratio between the solid and liquid phases in the multi-phase slag. In addition to the discussion on thermal and kinetic factors of dephosphorization, the necessity of further research is proposed on the dissolution behavior of phosphorus-rich solid solution and phosphorus redistribution in the slag of high temperature, high basicity and high FeO in the final stage of converter steelmaking. Then, a more applicable dynamic model of dephosphorization could be expected considering the equilibrium not only between molten slag and liquid metal but also among the phases of the multi-phase slag in steelmaking process. Furthermore, the modelling work is beneficial for the fine control of the BOF process and the development of intelligent manufacturing in steelmaking industry.

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BackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer. Recently, developments in radiotherapy technology have led to radiotherapy becoming one of the main therapeutics of HCC. Therefore, a suitable animal model for radiotherapy of the orthotopic HCC mouse model is urgently needed.MethodsIn the present study, Hepa1‐6 cells were injected into the liver of C57BL/6 mice in situ to mimic the pathological characteristics of the original HCC. Tumor formation was monitored by applying magnetic resonance imaging techniques and verified by H&E histopathological staining, AFP staining, and Ki67 staining. A single dose of 10 Gy X‐ray was applied to simulate clinical radiotherapy plans using image‐guided radiotherapy (IGRT) equipment. The efficiency of radiotherapy was then assessed by examining tumor size and weight one week after radiation. Cleaved‐caspase3 staining and TUNEL were used to assess apoptosis in tumor tissues.ResultsIntrahepatic tumor development was detected in the liver according using MRI. A high‐density shadow could be seen 10 days after cell injection, which indicated the formation of HCC in vivo. The tumors grew steadily bigger, and underwent precision radiotherapy 20 days after injection. The typical pathological characteristics of HCC, such as large, deeply stained nuclei and irregular cell size, were visible with H&E staining. After radiotherapy, significantly higher expression of the immunohistochemical markers Ki67 and AFP were detected in tumor tissue than in the nearby normal tissue. Compared with the control group, the tumor volume (p = 0.05) and weight (p < 0.05) of the irradiated group were significantly reduced. In addition, a higher frequency of apoptosis was identified in irradiated HCC tumor tissue using the TUNEL and cleaved‐caspase3 staining assay.ConclusionsIn a well‐established orthotopic HCC model, MRI was utilized to monitor the formation of tumors, and IGRT was used to simulate clinical radiotherapy. The present study could provide a suitable preclinical system for HCC radiotherapy‐related studies.