Steel Ladle Refining Process with Steel-bag Deoxidizing Agents
Steel ladles are used in steel manufacturing to maintain and adjust the temperature, chemistry and properties of molten steel. Steel ladles are typically charged with molten steel from a blast furnace, basic oxygen furnace (BOF), or electric arc furnace (EAF) and used to adjust the chemistry of the molten steel prior to casting it. In the steel ladle refining process, steel-bag deoxidizing agents can be added to reduce the oxygen content of the molten steel.
Steel-bag deoxidizing agents are typically powdered metallic alloys in combination with other elements. The ideal deoxidizing agent must be able to reduce a wide range of oxides, must be resistant to erosion, and must be compatible with the molten steel chemistry. The exact composition of the deoxidizing agent is typically optimized for the specific steel grade and ladle size.
The steel-bag deoxidizing agents are delivered in a heavy duty, steel-lined sack that is designed to contain the powdered material. The construction of the bag minimizes dust levels and prevents the bag from bursting during handling and pouring.
To add the deoxidizing agent to the steel ladle, the bag should be hung above the ladle and lifted up and down several times to evenly distribute the mixture. The average use rate for deoxidizing agents is 1-2 kilograms of agent per ton of molten steel. Greater amounts may be necessary depending on the chemistry of the molten steel.
After the deoxidizing agent is added, the ladle should be stirred using a large metal stirrer, to ensure that the agent is adequately and evenly distributed throughout the molten steel. This will ensure that all of the oxygen is efficiently removed from the steel.
Once the deoxidizing agent has been added, the ladle should be sampled and analyzed to determine the metallurgical properties of the steel. This analysis will help to identify any changes in chemistry that may have been caused by the addition of the deoxidizing agent. The indicators that are typically monitored include oxygen, silicon, sulfur, manganese, and nitrogen levels.
Finally, the molten steel should be tested for thermal and mechanical properties, such as hardness, tensile strength, and weldability. This testing should be performed to ensure that the desired properties of the steel have been achieved. Based on these results, adjustments can be made to the deoxidizing agent composition or amounts as needed.
The steel ladle refining process with steel-bag deoxidizing agent can help to improve the metallurgical quality of the molten steel and ensure that desired thermal and mechanical properties are achieved post-casting. The appropriate deoxidizing agents should be selected and the proper amount should be used in the correct manner to ensure the best results.
