Andrey Karasev

The Effect of Different Non-Metallic Inclusions on the Machinability of Steels

Considerable research has been conducted over recent decades on the role of non-metallic inclusions and their link to the machinability of different steels. The present work reviews the mechanisms of steel fractures during different mechanical machining operations and the behavior of various non-metallic inclusions in a cutting zone. More specifically, the effects of composition, size, number and morphology of inclusions on machinability factors (such as cutting tool wear, power consumption, etc.) are discussed and summarized. Finally, some methods for modification of non-metallic inclusions in the liquid steel are considered to obtain a desired balance between mechanical properties and machinability of various steel grades.

Application of Different Extraction Methods for Investigation of Nonmetallic Inclusions and Clusters in Steels and Alloys

The characterization of nonmetallic inclusions is of importance for the production of clean steel in order to improve the mechanical properties. In this respect, a three-dimensional (3D) investigation is considered to be useful for an accurate evaluation of size, number, morphology of inclusions, and elementary distribution in each inclusion particle. In this study, the application of various extraction methods (chemical extraction/etching by acid or halogen-alcohol solutions, electrolysis, sputtering with glow discharge, and so on) for 3D estimation of nonmetallic Al2O3 inclusions and clusters in high-alloyed steels was examined and discussed using an Fe-10 mass% Ni alloy and an 18/8 stainless steel deoxidized with Al. Advantages and limitations of different extraction methods for 3D investigations of inclusions and clusters were discussed in comparison to conventional two-dimensional (2D) observations on a polished cross section of metal samples.

Changes in inclusion characteristics during sampling of liquid steel

Abstract In order to improve the process control during the steelmaking process, it is essential to obtain knowledge, as well as interpret information, on the characteristics of non-metallic inclusions in liquid steel samples. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effect of different sampling conditions on the inclusion characteristics. The changes in number, size and composition of primary inclusions due to the precipitation of secondary inclusions are studied. This is investigated in laboratory scale samples from an Fe–10 mass-%Ni alloy as well as industrial steel samples with varying contents of oxygen and sulphur. The results show that in most cases, the inclusion population can be separated, using a size condition, into primary (⩾0·6 μm) and secondary (<0·6 μm) inclusions. Overall, the Lollipop sample with a 6 mm thickness can be recommended, because most of the secondary inclusions in low sulphur steels can be removed from the total particle size distribution. However, during sampling of liquid steel containing high levels of sulphur, a significant amount of sulphides precipitate heterogeneously onto primary inclusions, making it impossible to use size or morphology to separate the population. Finally, the numbers of secondary inclusions in the steel samples were found to increase significantly with an increased sample cooling rate. However, the number of primary inclusions was found to be almost constant and independent of the sample cooling rate.

Characterization of Chemical Composition and Microstructure of Natural Iron Ore from Muko Deposits

The study aimed at investigating the chemical composition and microstructure of raw iron ore from the deposits in Muko area (south-western Uganda). The quality of this iron ore was evaluated to establish its suitability to serve as a raw material for iron production. Samples were taken from the six hills of Muko ore deposits and tests carried out to establish their composition and properties. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were employed in the investigation and chemical analysis performed to determine the compounds constituting the ore. The quality of this ore was compared to generalized world market standards and ores from other nations. It was found that Muko ore is a rich hematite grade with Fe content above 65%. It has little gangue (<6% SiO2 and 3-4% Al2O3) and low contents of the deleterious elements (% and %), which correspond to acceptable levels for commercial iron ores.

Characteristics of Ti-Ce Complex Deoxidation Products in a Fe-20mass%Cr Alloy

The particle characteristics such as size distribution, composition and morphology have been studiedin an Fe-20mass%Cr alloy as a function of holding time at 1600°C. The alloy was deoxidised with T ...

Influence of final stirring treatment on inclusion number in tool steel

Abstract The focus was to study the elimination of non-metallic inclusions during the final part of the ladle refining of tool steel (AISI H13). More specifically, the final stirring treatment in a ladle before casting was modified to study how the number of inclusions could be decreased. The following three stirring treatments were tested: a conventional induction stirring with a 650 A current for 20 min, a short induction stirring with a 650 A current during 10 min, and a combined gas and induction stirring during 20 min (no open eye and a 600 A current). Steel samples were collected from the ladle before and after the final stirring period of the ladle treatment. Thereafter, the numbers of inclusions in steel samples were determined using a light optical microscope based on a classification according to the Swedish standard SS111116 (JK Scale II). Overall, the results showed that a combined gas and induction stirrings was the most efficient way of decreasing the number of DM, DH and DP inclusions. The decrease in the inclusion number in four heats was the following for the different size classes for a combined stirring procedure: 15–40% for DM type inclusions, 30–61% for DH type inclusions and 50–100% for DP inclusions. In addition, it should be mentioned that a stirring practice with induction stirring during 10 min resulted in a 67–100% decrease in the DH type inclusions. However, the results for a combined stirring case for DH type inclusions were more stable than those for a shorter induction stirring time.

Optimisation of stirring conditions during vacuum degassing in order to lower inclusion content in tool steel

Abstract In the production of tool steel, the control of secondary metallurgy plays an important role to meet the rapidly increasing demands for clean steel, as impurities and non-metallic inclusions can reduce its mechanical properties. This study focuses on the influence of stirring rate during the vacuum degassing of liquid steel on the inclusion characteristics. During this treatment, both gas and induction stirring are used; thus, fluid flow simulations were made for the vacuum treatment of melts at high (900 A+100 L min−1 Ar) and low (700 A+10 L min−1 Ar) stirring rates. By decreasing the Weber number to a value smaller than the critical value (Wecrit = 12·3) at a lower stirring rate, the probability for dispersion and entrapping of slag inclusions into the liquid steel significantly decreases. Five plant heats were carried out with different rates of induction stirring and argon flow in the ladle during vacuum treatment. The results gained by light optical microscopy investigation show that the total amount of large size single inclusions (>11·3 μm) in steel samples after vacuum treatment and in the final product decreases considerably with a lowered stirring rate. Thus, the experimental results support the theoretical results based on the Weber number.

Investigations of inclusions in ferrochromium alloys

Abstract Ferrochromium alloys are commonly added during different stages of steelmaking processes according to the specific steel grade being produced. Depending upon the ferrochromium quality, the addition can also lead to a supply of deleterious inclusions to the liquid steel. Therefore, the number, size, morphology and composition of inclusions in LCFeCr and HCFeCr alloys were investigated. The alloy samples were first treated with electrolytic extraction, followed by filtration to gather the inclusions on a film filter. Thereafter, the characteristics of the inclusions and clusters were investigated in three dimensions by SEM in combination with energy dispersive spectroscopy. The results show that the main inclusion types found in LCFeCr alloys are different to those found in HCFeCr alloys. More specifically, the inclusions in LCFeCr alloys were found to consist of Si–Cr–O and Cr–O oxides as well as intermetallic Cr–Fe inclusions. Moreover, the inclusions in HCFeCr alloys were found to consist of Cr–Mn–S, Cr–C–N, Si–Al–Ca–Mg–O and Ca–O–P inclusions. Overall, the inclusions can be divided into two categories depending on the melting point. Furthermore, the possible transformation of different inclusions after their addition to the liquid steel is discussed.

Characterisation of the Physical and Metallurgical Properties of Natural Iron Ore for Iron Production

The blast furnace is still the dominant form of iron production, but over the years, direct reduction methods have increased due to a number of reasons. Overall, iron production methods have optimal requirements with respect to the feed materials especially iron ore. In this study, tests were carried out on Muko iron ore from Uganda to analyse its suitability to meet the feed requirements of todays dominant iron production methods. More specifically, the Tumbler, Abrasion, and Shatter Indices of the ore were determined. In addition, porosity, thermoanalysis, and reducibility tests were performed. Overall, the Muko ore was found to have good mechanical properties exemplified with tumble and shatter index data >89.0 wt% and <2.5 wt%, respectively. Furthermore, its reducibility at 0.87%/min is within the acceptable range as a natural material feed for blast furnace and direct reduction furnaces. Also, the energy requirement for heating the ore to 1100°C was found to be higher in the samples containing a wider size range of irregular grains and the largest contaminations. In summary, it is concluded that the Muko iron ore has good physical and metallurgical properties to serve as a natural material for the blast furnace and direct reduction furnaces.

The Effect of a Sulfur Addition on the Formation and Behavior of CaS Inclusions During a Secondary Refining Process Without Using a Ca-Treatment

This study aimed to elucidate the effect of a sulfur addition on the formation and behavior of CaS inclusions in steel melts during a secondary refining process without a Ca-treatment. Samples were taken during production for two different steel grades, namely a low-S steel (S = 0.005%) and a high-S steel (S = 0.055%). Thereafter, the inclusion characteristics were determined using an SEM combined with an EDS. The results show that the CaO content in the inclusions decreased and the CaS content increased after a sulfur addition during an RH process for the high-S steel. Furthermore, CaS-covered inclusions were frequently detected in the high-S steel samples after the S addition. Thermodynamic calculations were also performed to compare the CaS formation behavior in the two steels. The results showed that a CaS phase can thermodynamically be formed in the high-S steel melt even without a Ca-treatment. Also, it was indicated that a CaS phase can be formed in two ways, namely a reaction between Ca and S and a reaction between CaO in inclusions and S. From the viewpoint of interfacial features, inclusions covered by a CaS phase are thought to possess low contact angles to steel melts. Therefore, CaS-covered inclusions tend to remain in a steel melt. According to the results of this study, CaS inclusions can be formed and deteriorate the castability of high-S containing steels even without a Ca-treatment.