Tracking Inclusions During Ladle Refining Using a Kinetic Model for the Compositions of Metal, Slag and Inclusions

A mathematical kinetic model to predict the trajectory of chemical compositions of the molten steel, slag, and inclusions in the ladle metallurgy furnace was presented in a recent study. The model considered the following chemical processes: 1) the rate of slag-steel reaction; 2) the rate of supply of calcium during calcium treatment; and 3) the rate of steel-inclusion reactions, including oxides and sulfides. Herein, the model is further validated by running the model in varying conditions and comparing the predicted and measured composition of inclusions and dissolved species in the steel for additional plant heats. A sensitivity analysis is also carried out to investigate the effect of different parameters, including sulfur content of steel, total oxygen, slag composition, and reoxidation of steel on the trajectory of composition of inclusions during the ladle process. The model developed by the authors offers potential for control and optimization of the operation of a ladle furnace.