Dissolution of Cored Wire in Steel Melt : Optimization of Feeding Rate

Abstract: Calcium treatment is an established operation in the production of steels. Most importantly, it serves to modify detrimental inclusions in the melt for improved castability and superior product properties. Due to calcium’s low melting point and high vapour pressure, its addition to liquid steel is challenging and yields are generally low. The current standard method for addition is cored wire feeding, in which a calcium-bearing compound is injected into the melt inside a sacrificial metal tube. The depth at which the compound is released has a pronounced impact on its yield and depends on the rate at which the wire is injected. A mathematical model is constructed to predict the time after which release occurs and thus estimate injection depth. It is based on one-dimensional heat transfer and respects phase change effects, i.e., solidification of melt on the cold wire surface and subsequent melting of the wire and compound. Equations are derived using the finite difference method and the model is solved numerically using an implicit method. The model is applied to two different steel grades – one austenitic (AISI 316L), one super-duplex (SAF 2507) – and predictions are tested for the former grade in a 75-ton industrial ladle furnace. Results indicate that a decreased feeding rate (<100 m/min) leads to better calcium yield. Positive effects were also observed with downward melt stirring and a good slag coverage. Improved yield can lead to savings in process and material cost. The results also provide insights into the cored wire feeding process which may be useful for future process development, both for calcium and other additions.