a process for desulfurizing a bath of molten iron contained in a vessel comprising the steps of injecting particulate lime and a carbon - containing particulate with a non - oxidizing carrier gas beneath the surface of the bath to remove sulfur from the iron , while controlling the rate of injection of the carbon - containing particles to prevent substantial ejection of the bath from the vessel . the preferred carbon - containing materials are graphite and a compound containing at least carbon and hydrogen in proportions ranging from ch & gt ; 0 to ch 2 . the preferred carrier gas is a hydrocarbon gas .