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 aninert 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.
Go to article