Computational Thermodynamic Study of Inclusions Formation in the Continuous Casting of SAE 8620 Steel

The general purpose of this work is a thermodynamic study of non‐metallic inclusions in the CC tundish for SAE 8620 steel. Specific purposes are: (1) Obtaining the phases formed and their composition in inclusions by applying computational thermodynamics for SAE 8620 steel; (2) Establishing conditions of steel composition for the improvement of SAE 8620 castability, including the plant validation in terms of the castability index. Thermodynamic studies were performed with the commercial software FactSage and databases. Simulations were carried out by the global chemical composition of SAE 8620 steel in the CC tundish, resulting in both steel composition and non‐metallic inclusions (oxides and sulphides) at the desired temperature. Furthermore, results showed both different solid oxides and liquid phase formation in inclusions by varying calcium content in the steel. Thus, it was possible to determine the inclusion composition as a function of aluminium and calcium content of SAE 8620 steel, and moreover, to establish a range of calcium content in which the inclusions are predominantly formed by liquid phase. In addition, the percentages of liquid and solid phase in inclusions, as well as, oxide compositions could be calculated.