Slag and refractory interactions under vacuum conditions
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | SWERIM AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 2 160 473 |
| Project duration | November 2019 - October 2022 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | The strategic innovation programme for Metallic material |
| Call | Metallic materials - Non-thematic call 2019 |
Important results from the project
The objectives of this project were to study the wear mechanisms of alumina and MgO-C refractories respectively used in the vacuum induction furnace and vacuum degassing ladle, as well to study the slag foaming phenomena in the vacuum degassing ladle. The achieved results were to be used to assist the selection of new refractories, which was to be tested and proved by industrial trials. All set goals in the project were achieved.
Expected long term effects
The project provided increased knowledge regarding the performances of alumina and MgO-C refractory under vacuum conditions. A guiding principle for the selection of slag line refractory in the ladle was developed. Industrial trials with selected refractories were conducted, and the selected refractories were proved to have a better performance in terms of a lower wear speed.
Approach and implementation
The research work in this project was divided into two research lines: one for the alumina refractory and another for the MgO-C refractory. The work included five work packages, and was composed of theoretical analysis, laboratory investigations, and industrial trials.