Prediction of aluminium concentration in molten zinc pot of continuous hot dip galvanising line

Abstract

The strict control of aluminium concentration in a galvanising pot is extremely important to meet the high surface quality of galvanised steels that has been demanded by the industry. The present study proposes a mathematical model for the prediction of aluminium concentration in a galvanising pot of a continuous hot dip galvanising line. It is assumed that aluminium in the molten zinc pot is consumed as coating layer, dross, and inhibition layer. The quantities of aluminium consumed as dross and inhibition layer in the molten zinc pot are evaluated using the results of physical model experiments available in the literature. The operation conditions of the continuous hot dip galvanising line are online collected and then used as input data for the model. It is found that dross is a main source of the preferential consumption of aluminium in the molten zinc pot. The predicted pot aluminium concentration follows the trend of experimentally measured values rather well during both galvanising and galvannealing operations.     

Distribution of metal droplets in top slags during ladle treatment

Abstract

The investigation focused on the mixing of the metal and slag phases during ladle refining from the point of tapping the EAF to casting. Steel droplet distributions were determined for slag samples taken at different stages in the ladle refining process at two different steel plants in Sweden. The droplet distributions were determined using light optical microscopy and classification according to the standard SS111116. Sample analysis results showed the slag samples taken before vacuum degassing to contain the greatest concentration of steel droplets. The total interfacial area between the steel droplets and slag was determined to be 3–14 times larger than the projected flat interfacial area between the steel and slag. The effects of slag viscosity and reactions between steel and slag on metal droplet formation in slag were also considered.     

FEM simulation of Cu97Si3 filler metal droplets spreading under arc brazing

Abstract

The spreading behaviour of Cu₉₇Si₃ filler metal droplets under arc brazing is studied by finite element method (FEM) simulation using Surface Evolver software. The mathematical model of arc pressure force acceleration added to the droplet microelement as the form of gravity acceleration is used in numerical simulation. The 3D filler metal droplet profile for different welding currents is then simulated. Finally, the simulation results were compared with experimental results, showing good correspondence. It was seen that the spreading height decreases and the diameter increases with increase of the welding current in an approximate linear relation.     

Petrographic and thermodynamic study of slags in EAF stainless steelmaking

Abstract

A study of the typical characteristics of electrical arc furnace (EAF) slags in the production of the stainless steel (AISI 304L) was carried out. Twenty-eight slag samples were taken from 14 heats. Simultaneously with each slag sampling, the temperature of the steel was measured, and one steel sample was taken. The selected slag samples were studied both using SEM–EDS and light optical microscopy. Computational thermodynamics was used as a tool to predict the equilibrium phases in the top slag as well as the amount of these phases at the process temperatures. It was observed that, at process temperature, the stainless EAF slag generally consists of liquid oxides, spinel particles and metallic droplets. Under normal operation, the amount of spinel particles is 2–6 wt-%. In addition, the influence of the slag temperature, basicity, MgO content and Cr₂O₃ content on the amount of spinel precipitates and thereby on the foaming index of the top slag is also illustrated and discussed. More specifically, it was found that, within the compositional range of the slag samples, the critical parameter affecting the amount of solid spinel particles in the slag is the chromium oxide content.     

Theoretical Analysis for the Motion and Temperature of Melt Droplets in Spray Degassing Process

The motion of melt droplets in spray degassing process was analyzed theoretically. The height of the treatment tank in spray degassing process could be determined by the results of theoretical calculation of motion of melt droplets. To know whether the melt droplets would solidify during spraying process, the balance temperature of melt droplets was also theoretically analyzed. Then proof experiments for theoretical results about temperature of melt droplets were carried. In comparison, the experimental results were nearly similar to the calculation results.