Decarburization rate of RH refining for ultra low carbon steel

The decarburization behaviors of ultra low carbon steel in a 210-t RH vacuum degasser were investigated under practical operat- ing conditions. According to the apparent decarburization rate constant （Kc） calculated by the carbon content in the samples taken from the hot melt in a ladle at an interval of 1-2 min, it is observed that the total decarburization reaction period in RH can be divided into the quick decarburization period and the stagnant decarburization period, which is quite different from the traditional one with three stages. In this study, the average apparent decarburization rate constant during the quick decarburization period is 0.306 min^-1, and that of the stagnant period is 0.072 min^-1. Increasing the initial carbon content and enhancing the exhausting capacity can increase the apparent decarburization rate constant in the quick decarburization period. The decarburization reaction comes into the stagnant decarburization period when the carbon content in molten steel is less than 14× 10^-6 after 10 min of decarburization.

Isothermal precipitation behavior of copper sulfide in ultra low carbon steel

Copper and sulfur are typical residual elements or impurity elements in steel.Sufficient removal of them during steelmaking process is difficult for copper and costly for sulfur.Utilization of copper and sulfur in steel, especially in steel scrap,has been an important issue for a long period for metallurgists.Copper and sulfur may combine to form copper sulfide,which may provide a prospect to avoid the detrimental effects of copper and sulfur in steel.Unfortunately the formation mechanism of copper sulfide in steel has not been completely clarified so far. In the present paper,solution treatment of samples containing copper and sulfur are firstly performed at 1623 K for 2.7×10~3 s followed by quenching into water.The samples are then isothermally heat-treated at 673 K,873 K, 1073 K,1273 K and 1373K for different time followed by quenching into water again.The size,morphology, constituent and crystallography of sulfide precipitates in these samples are investigated by scanning electron microscope(SEM) and TEM equipped with EDS.Fine copper sulfides(less than 100 nm) are observed to coexist with silicon oxide in samples even isothermally heat-treated at 1 373 K for 1.44×10~4 s;Film-like copper sulfides are generally observed to co-exist with iron sulfide in all samples;Plate-like copper sulfides are observed especially in sample isothermally heat-treated at 1 073 K for 1.44×10~4 s.The formation mechanisms of these copper sulfides have been discussed.

Mathematical Model of Decarburization of Ultra Low Carbon Steel during RH Treatment

According to the balance of carbon and oxygen, a decarburization model for the RH treatment has been developed. in which the influence of the mass transfer of carbon and oxygen in the liquid steel and the stirring energy (ε) in the vacuum vessel on decarburization rate has been considered. The conclusion that the volumetric coefficients of the mass transfer of carbon is proportional to ε(1.5) is drawn. Industrical experiment proves this model is reliable. The influence of some factors on decarburization rate has been obtained. which can provide directions for RH treatment The decarburization behavior of steel with RH-OB treatment is also studied. The OB-or-not curve, the optimized OB time and OB amount are discussed.

Experimental study on Ti+Nb bearing ultra-low carbon bake hardening sheet steel hot-rolled in the ferrite region

A Ti＋Nb bearing ultra-low carbon bake hardening sheet steel hot-rolled in the conventional austenite region and in the ferrite region with lubrication was experimentally studied. Subsequent cold rolling and continuous annealing processes were also conducted. The results show that microstructures of ultra-low carbon bake hardening hot strips at room temperature are basically irregular polygonal ferrites. The yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, n value, and r value of the No.2 specimen hot-rolled in the ferrite region with lubrication are 243 MPa, 364 MPa, 0.29, and 1.74, respectively, which are similar to those of the No.1 specimen hot-roiled in the conventional austenite region. The elongation rate and bake hardening value of No.2 specimen are 51% and 49.4 MPa, respectively, which are greater than those of No. 1 specimen. The No.2 specimen hot-rolled in the ferrite region with lubrication exhibits good mechanical properties and relatively excellent baking hardening performance. Therefore, the hot rolling experiment of Ti＋Nb bearing ultra-low carbon bake hardening steel in the ferrite region with lubrication is feasible and can be considered in the future industrial trial production.

Novel mechanism for the modification of Al_2O_3-based inclusions in ultra-low carbon Al-killed steel considering the effects of magnesium and calcium

Many researchers have explored the inclusion modification mechanism to improve non-metallic inclusion modifications in steelmaking. In this study, two types of industrial trials on inclusion modifications in liquid steel were conducted using ultra-low-carbon Al-killed steel with different Mg and Ca contents to verify the effects of Ca and Mg contents on the modification mechanism of Al_2O_3-based inclusions during secondary refining. The results showed that Al_2O_3-based inclusions can be modified into liquid calcium aluminate or a multi-component inclusion with the addition of a suitable amount of Ca. In addition, [Mg] in liquid steel can further reduce CaO in liquid calcium aluminate to drive its evolution into CaO–MgO–Al_2O_3 multi-component inclusions. Thermodynamic analysis confirmed that the reaction between [Mg] and CaO in liquid calcium aluminate occurs when the MgO content of liquid calcium aluminate is less than 3 wt% and the temperature is higher than 1843 K.

Structure Character of M-A Constituent in CGHAZ of New Ultra-Low Carbon Bainitic Steel under Laser Welding Conditions

800 MPa grade new ultra-low carbon bainitic （NULCB） steel is the recently developed new generation steel. The microstructure in the coarse-grained heat affected zone （CGHAZ） of NULCB steel under laser welding conditions was investigated by thermal simulation. The influence of the cooling time from 800℃ to 500℃.t8/5 （0.3-30 s）, on the microstructure of the CGHAZ was discussed. The experimental results indicate that the microstructnre of the CGHAZ is only the granular bainite which consists of bainitic ferrite （BF） lath and M-A constituent while t8/5 is 0.3-30 s. The M-A constituent consists of twinned martensite and residual austenite, and the change of the volume fraction of the residual austenite in the M-A constituent is very small when t8/5 is between 0.3 and 30 s. The morphology of the M-A constituent obviously changes with the variation of t8/5.As t8/5 increases, tile average width, gross and shape parameter of the M-A constituent increase, while the line density of the M-A constituent decreases.

Effect of an upward magnetic field on nanosized sulfide precipitation in ultra-low carbon steel

An induction levitation melting （ILM） refining process is performed to remove most microsized inclusions in ultra-low carbon steel （UCS）. Nanosized, spheroid shaped sulfide precipitates remain dispersed in the UCS. During the ILM process, the UCS is molten and is rotated under an upward magnetic field. With the addition of Ti additives, the spinning molten steel under the upward magnetic field ejects particles because of resultant centrifugal, floating, and magnetic forces. Magnetic force plays a key role in removing sub-micrometer-sized particles, composed of porous aluminum titanate enwrapping alumina nuclei. Consequently, sulfide precipitates with sizes less than 50 nan remain dispersed in the steel matrix. These findings open a path to the fabrication of clean steel or steel bearing only a nanosized strengthen- ing phase.

Deformation Behavior of Ultra-low Carbon Steel in Ferrite Region during Warm Processing

在铁酸盐范围的极端低的碳钢的热变丑实验在一个热模拟器被执行以便在低温度在铁酸盐范围研究极端低的碳钢的热变丑行为。结果证明流动应力上的变丑参数的影响对在奥氏体的变丑的那些不同。变丑特征参数在铁酸盐区域为极端低的碳钢被计算。为在在低温度的以铁酸盐为主要成的变丑的极端低的碳钢的流动压力方程被获得。

Optimum process of RH-MFB refining for ultra-low carbon steel

A mathematical model was established and applied to simulate thedecarburization of RH-MFB process in Pansteel Company. Study of theeffects of w_[C]0, w_[O]0, Ar flowrate, evaluation rate the MFB lanceblowing parameters on the decarburization process was car- Ried out.The results showed that this model could give the quantitativeunderstanding of the process, especially the behavior of MFB Lanceblowing. This model has realized the optimum process of RH-MFBrefining for ultra-low carbon steels in Pansteel.

Mechanical Method Determining Precipitation in an Ultra-Low Carbon Bainitic Steel

Stress relaxation was chosen as the best method for monitoring the precipitation process. Tests were carried out on an ultra-low carbon bainitic steel containing Mn, Nb and B over 800~950℃. Specimens were solu- tion treated at 1250℃ for a certain holding period. A prestain of 20% was applied at a strain rate of 0.1/s. The exper- imental results are displayed by a set of stress vs. 1g(time) curves different from the typical stress relaxation curves. There are two singularities forming a stress plateau on the stress vs.1g(time) curves when precipitates could be observed. Suppose the first one is the start of precipitation (Ps), and the second represcnts the fihish (Pf). As a result Precipitation-Time-Temperature relationship is described as C-shape curves based on two points. This mechanical method is suitable and precise for measuring precipitates in microalloyed steels during hot working.

Prevention of burn-on defect on surface of hydroturbine blade casting of ultra-low-carbon refining stainless steel

The burn-on sand is common surface defect encountered in CO2 -cured silicate-bonded sand casting of hydroturbine blade of ultra-low-carbon martensitic stainless steel,its feature,causes and prevention measures are presented in this paper.Experiments showed that the burn-on defect is caused by oxidization of chromium in the molten steel at high temperature and can be effectively eliminated by using chromium-corundum coating.

Advanced manufacturing technologies of large martensitic stainless steel castings with ultra low carbon and high cleanliness

The key manufacturing technologies associated with composition, microstructure, mechanical properties, casting quality and key process control for large martensitic stainless steel castings are involved in this paper. The achievements fully satisfeid the technical requirements of the large 700 MW stainless steel hydraulic turbine runner for the Three Gorges Hydropower Station, and become the major technical support for the design and manufacture of the largest 700 MW hydraulic turbine generator unit in the world developed through our own efforts. The characteristics of a new high yield to tensile strength (R p0.2/R m ) ratio and high obdurability martensitic stainless steel with ultra low carbon and high cleanliness are also described. Over the next ten years, the large martensitic stainless steel castings and advanced manufacturing technologies will see a huge demand in clean energy industry such as nuclear power, hydraulic power at home and abroad. Therefore, the new high yield o tensile strength (R p0.2/R m ) ratio and high obdurability martensitic stainless steel materials, the fast and flexible manufacturing technologies of large size castings, and new environment friendly sustainable process will face new challenges and opportunities.

A method for observing the three-dimensional morphologies of inclusions in steel

A method for observing the three-dimensional morphologies of inclusions by deeply eroding a steel sample with a kind of organic solution composed of bromine water, acetone, and HCl （volume ratio, 45：45：10） was introduced. Four different kinds of inclusions in ultra low carbon steel were compared by metallographic observation and erosion observation. The results show that the three-dimensional morphologies of different kinds of inclusions could be observed clearly and simply after erosion. The method is useful for the observation and analysis of inclusions made by deep erosion. It also provides a new way to control and remove inclusions based on the true morphologies of inclusions.

Control of Ultra Low Titanium in Ultra Low Carbon Al-Si Killed Steel

Titanium is the impurity in some special steel grades.The existence of titanium decreases the grain size,depresses the yield strength,and results in the low quality of these steels in various properties.Thus,titanium should be removed to the minimum.Based on the industrial production of ultra low carbon Al-Si killed steel,the physical-chemical behavior of titanium was investigated in vacuum degassing refining（RH）process with and without desulfurization.The influences of titanium content in hot metal,ladle slag composition,and ladle slag quantity,etc,on titanium content of refined liquid steel were discussed.The results showed that the partition ratio of titanium between ladle slag and liquid steel is in inverse proportion to the 4/3square of aluminum content.The maximum partition ratio of titanium between top slag and liquid steel can be obtained by adjusting an optimum slag composition including contents of FeOxand Al2O3and the slag basicity,and the suitable range of them should be controlled higher than 6%,less than 20%,and within 1.5to 3.0,respectively.Moreover,desulfurization refining by RH decreases the partition ratio of titanium between ladle slag and liquid steel significantly.To ensure the titanium content stably less than 15×10-6 in a 300tladle,the titanium content in hot metal must be less than 500×10-6 and the thickness of basic oxygen furnace（BOF）slag carrying over must be less than 50mm.

超低碳IF钢冶炼过程炉渣对夹杂物控制研究进展

超低碳IF钢板主要应用于汽车面板等超深冲部件,其面临的主要质量问题是夹杂物、卷渣、气泡造成的炼钢缺陷,因此全生产流程中所采用的炉渣性质对控制炼钢缺陷具有重要作用。分别从炉渣的物化特性以及所在工序炉渣特性两个角度归纳总结了炉渣对夹杂物控制产生的影响,发现炉渣对夹杂物的吸附溶解与炉渣的物化性质和夹杂物的尺寸相关。RH精炼渣主要控制目标是低氧化性和合适的w(CaO)/w(Al_(2)O_(3)),TFe质量分数一般控制在2.0%~8.0%,w(CaO)/w(Al_(2)O_(3))控制在1.2~1.8,此外精炼渣碱度一般控制较高为4.0~10.0。中间包覆盖剂和结晶器保护渣首先要防止钢液增碳,其次是防止渣中SiO_(2)造成钢液的二次氧化,同时它们还应拥有良好的吸附夹杂物的能力。超低碳IF钢中间包高碱度覆盖剂一般碱度为2.9~11.5,w(CaO)/w(Al_(2)O_(3))控制在1.0~2.5,(FeO+MnO)质量分数控制在1.9%~4.0%。而超低碳IF钢结晶器保护渣的碱度一般控制较低在0.85~1.0,w(CaO)/w(Al_(2)O_(3))控制在5.0~8.5,(FeO+MnO)质量分数小于1%。

钢铁企业减污降碳协同增效技术实践及启示

我国当前正处于深入打好污染防治攻坚战阶段,同时也处于积极部署“双碳”战略目标的开局阶段。钢铁行业是国民经济的支柱产业,推动减污降碳协同增效发展是促进行业绿色可持续发展的关键。本文系统回顾了钢铁生产中烧结、高炉等主要工序在减污降碳协同增效方面的技术发展,并结合企业生产案例分析了超低排放改造在实现减污降碳协同增效方面的成效,以期为我国钢铁行业绿色低碳高质量发展提供参考。

华龙一号主管道电渣锭成分偏析控制

华龙一号核电主管道采用X2CrNiMo 18.12(控氮)超低碳奥氏体不锈钢制造,该钢种碳含量低,铬、镍含量高且范围窄,尤其是N含量控制难度大,对质量要求苛刻;同时主管道锭型达到百吨级,易产生成分偏析,通过对大型主管道电渣锭成分偏析的分析与研究,阐述了大型单相电渣锭成分均匀性的控制方法,并取得了良好的效果。

Continuous Cooling Transformation Behavior and Kinetic Models of Transformations for an Ultra-Low Carbon Bainitic Steel

The aim was to investigate transformation behavior and transformation kinetics of an ultra-low carbon bai- nitic steel during continuous cooling. Continuous cooling transformation （CCT） curves of tested steel were measured by thermal dilatometer and metallographic structures at room temperature were observed by optical microscope. Then transformation kinetic equation of austenite to ferrite as well as austenite to bainite was established by analyzing the relationship of lnln]-l/（1--f）] and lnt in the kinetic equation on the basis of processed experimental data. Finally, the measured and calculated kinetic behaviors of the steel during continuous cooling were compared and growth pat- terns of transformed ferrite and bainite were analyzed. Results showed that calculated result was in reasonable agree- ment with the experimental data. It could be concluded that the growth modes of transformed ferrite and bainite were mainly one dimension as the Avrami exponents were between 1 and 2.

Carbon and oxygen behavior in the RH degasser with carbon powder addition

For ultra-low-carbon(ULC)steel production,the higher oxygen content before Ruhrstahl-Heraeus(RH)decarburization(de-C)treatment could shorten the de-C time in the RH degasser.However,this would lead to oxidation rates being exceeded by molten steel production,affecting ULC steel surface quality.In this work,a carbon powder addition(CPA)process was proposed to reduce the dissolved oxygen content at the end of RH de-C through addition of carbon powder to molten steel in the vacuum vessel.Carbon and oxygen behavior during the CPA and conventional process was then studied.The results demonstrated that the de-C rate with CPA was lower compared to the conventional process,but the carbon content at the end of de-C presented no difference.The de-C reaction for CPA process took place in the four reaction sites:(1)within the bulk steel where the spontaneous CO bubbles form;(2)splashing area on the liquid steel surface;(3)Ar bubble surface;(4)molten steel surface.The CPA process could significantly reduce the dissolved oxygen content at the end of de-C,the sum content of FeO and MnO in the slag,the aluminum consumption,and the defect rate of rolled products.This was beneficial in improving ULC steel cleanliness.

Population Evolution of Oxide Inclusions in Ti-stabilized Ultra-low Carbon Steels after Deoxidation

Population density function （PDF）, which can eliminate the arbitrariness caused by the choice of the num- ber and the size of bins compared to the well-used histograms, was introduced to analyze the amount of inclusions. The population evolution of oxide inclusions in forms of PDF in Ti-stabilized ultra-low carbon steels after deoxidation during industrial RH refining and continuous casting processes was analyzed using an automated SEM-EDS system. It was found that after deoxidation till the early stage of casting, the alumina inclusions exhibited a lognormal PDF distribution, and three factors including the existence of a large amount of alumina clusters, the generation of alumi- na from the reduction of Al-Ti-O inclusions and the reoxidation of molten steel were estimated as the reasons. The shape parameter σ was high after deoxidation and then decreased after Ti treatment, indicating that in a short period after deoxidation, the size of alumina inclusions was widely distributed. After Ti treatment, the distribution of inclu- sion size was more concentrated. The scale parameter m decreased with time during the whole refining process, indi- cating that the proportion of large inclusions decreased during refining. Contrarily, the Al-Ti-O inclusions presented a fractal PDF distribution except at the end of casting with fractal dimension D of 4.3, and the constant of propor- tionality C decreased with time during RH refining and increased during casting process. The reoxidation of steel by slag entrapped from ladle was considered as the reason for the lognormal PDF behavior of Al-Ti-O inclusions at the end of casting.