Effect of Chromite-Silica Sands Characteristics on Performance of Ladle Filler Sands for Continuous Casting

Free opening rate is mainly determined by the performance of the ladle filler sand. High free opening rates of ladles are required in steel making to improve steel quality. Chromite ladle filler sands are one of the most widely used ladle filler sand. Several operative variables and materials characteristics affect the performance of the sands. Three sets of chromite ladle filler sands were selected and researches were focused on the sintering behaviour and performance of the sands under operative conditions. The effect of particle size distribution on sintering, microstructure, flowability, and permeability were presented. In all cases, the particle size varies from 01 to 15 mm corresponding to free flowing powders. One of the samples has higher permeability factor in comparison with others due to low particle size distribution. The other sample presents very good free opening due to its very good flowability and permeability factor.