Influence of Blowing of Argon on the Cleanness of Steel

Abstract

Abstract The mechanical properties of steel components are controlled by the chemical composition and mechanical treatment to which the steel is submitted. Non-metallic inclusions have a very high influence on the steel quality but secondary metallurgy enables to reduce their content in the steel. Possibilities of secondary metallurgy are relatively extensive but financial situation in Slovak foundries does not enable to make investments in secondary metallurgy in the near future. Accessible means for influencing of steel quality is injection of an inert gas. Main goal of experiments described in the article was verify the influence of blowing of argon into the steel in an electric induction furnace on its cleanness. Duration and flow-rate of argon blowing have a very clearly influence on the final content of non-metallic inclusions. Minimum time of argon blowing necessary for reducing of content of non-metallic inclusions in one tonne electric induction furnace was more than 6 minutes and recommended argon flow rate was 10 litters per minute.