A Contribution to Steel Cleanliness

by Dr. P. Tassot, J. Wang

Publisher - CALDERYS

Category - General Novel

Increasing customer demands for clean steel has forced the steelworks to produce with different methods. Inclusions are formed by chemical reactions (deoxidation, reoxidation and precipitation) or by physical conditions (turbulence or wear).Porous plugs were introduced in the early 70s in secondary metallurgy: The injection of inert gas (mainly argon) contributes to the homogeneity of the metal temperature and composition, as well as removing non-metallic inclusions. However some metallurgical treatments such as desulphurisation of steel or other refining treatments need greater reliability. A new generation of plugs was designed to reduce the need for oxygen cleaning thus optimizing the cost efficiency of the process. Refractory mixes based on low cement or ultra low cement castables contribute to the good performance of these porous plugs. Different technologies are discussed in the paper based on slit, labyrinth or more innovative concepts. Very efficient and reliable production facilities innovation and team-work with our customers have shown substantial progress in Europe for porous plugs.

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