G.R. Belton was the leader in developing our understanding of the kinetics
of metallurgical reactions. Selected recent kinetic studies, based on this
understanding and the application of the results to actual processes, are p
resented in this article. In particular, the rates of reaction of carbon an
d carbon in iron with CO2 and H2O gases and FeO in slag are reviewed and ap
plied to the iron smelting process. In addition, our basic understanding of
the kinetics of the nitrogen reaction with iron is reviewed, and the resul
ts are used in comprehensive models, which can predict the nitrogen content
in steel as a function of operating variables in the basic oxygen furnace,
electric are furnace (EAF), and vacuum degassing.