Choosing the optimum inert gas consumption when purging steel in a 250-ton steel ladle

Abstract

In the modern world, during the rapid increase of market requirements for the "purity" of steel and the relentless development of the steel industry, the issue of quality implementation of non-furnace processing is becoming particularly relevant. The purity of steel always has been the main task for secondary refining in the modern steelmaking process in ladle furnaces. Many indicators of the technology, such as control of steel components, removal of harmful impurities and inclusions, largely depend of the efficiency of refining. Impossible to implement refining process without homogenization of metal. Purging of the steel bath with inert gas is responsible for this part of the technology, which is primarily carried out purging plugs installed in purging units in the bottom of the steel ladle. This article is devoted to the determination of the optimal consumption of inert gas during purging of steel in 250-ton steel ladle. Purging units with slotted purging plugs and optical wear indicators with metal pin are used in the bottom lining of steel ladle. A computer simulation of the purging process was made with different argon flow rate (300 l/min and 600 l/min), advantages and disadvantages specified, paid attention to the issue of influence on the steel ladle lining.