The use of calcium carbide in the production of low-carbon steel

Abstract

For low-carbon steel, it is best to add CaC2 to the ladle before tapping. No more than 150 kg of this compound should be added, and the addition should be made together with deoxidation of the slag by aluminum fines or wastes. In this case, it will be possible to achieve a 1% concentration of (FeO + MnO) in the slag, a sulfur content of 35 ppm in the steel, a degree of desulfurization greater than 60%, and a decrease in oxidation losses of aluminum and manganese. In this case, the increase in the carbon content of the steel solely due to the addition of CaC2 will be about 30 ppm. Thus, the optimum amount of CaC2 for low-carbon steel is determined in relation to the steel’s required final carbon content and the increase in this characteristic during the out-of-furnace and casting.