Deoxidation of ESR Slags.

Abstract

The deoxidation system in the ESRprocess is a complex ba[ance between atmosphere/slag/metal reactions involving the ailoy com position, the electrode inclusion content and additions of metallic deoxidants during melting. We describe the relative contributions of slag/metal reactions and addeddeoxidants to the inclusion-forming system. It is concluded that the oxide compositions found in ESR ingots of low alloy steel can be expiained using the siag FeOcontent as a monitor of the reaction scheme. Following this finding we also conclude that it is not possible in presently-developed ESRsystems to produce oxide (or sulphide) inclusions with a Ca-content sufficiently high for shape control.