Iron & Steel Technology
August 2004

Tundish Slidegate System for Enhanced Performance, Reduced Alumina Clogging and Extended String Length
Patrick D. King, Vesuvius FCAD R & D, Champaign, Ill.; Larry J. Heaslip, Dong Xu and Jim D. Dorricott, Advent Process Engineering Inc., Burlington, Ont., Canada; and Quentin K. Robinson, Vesuvius Research, Pittsburgh, Pa. (pat.king@us.vesuvius.com)

A new tundish slidegate system is capable of nonlift tube changes in molds as small as 650 mm wide, as well as increasing the number of heats per tundish. This article discusses the mechanical design and technology behind the new system.


Technological Evolution of Magnesia-carbon Bricks for Steel Ladles in Argentina
Aloysio Figueiredo Jr., Magnesita SA, Brazil; Norberto Bellandi and Alfredo Vanola, Refractarios Argentinos SA, San Nicolás, Argentina; and Liliana Zamboni, National Technical University – San Nicolás Regional College, San Nicolás, Argentina (aloysiof@magnesita.com.br)

In order to increase performance and reduce specific costs of steel ladles in Argentina, the main wear mechanisms of magnesia-carbon bricks were studied, along with their chemical, physical and mechanical properties.


EAF Refractory Performance at Pacific Steel
Don Sanford, product manager — refractories, Chemiplas – New Zealand Ltd., Auckland, New Zealand; Brian Garside, steel plant manager, and Chris Schonewille, steel plant operations manager, Pacific Steel, Otahuhu, New Zealand; and Tom Miller, Asia technical manager, LWB Refractories – Australia, York, Pa. (dons@chemiplas.co.nz)

This article deals with the practical application of isothermal stability diagrams to foaming slag practice in the EAF at Pacific Steel, New Zealand. Not only did refractory life in the furnace increase as a direct result of applying the new foaming slag practice, but associated operational cost savings were also realized.


Developments in Refractory Linings for Basic Oxygen Furnaces in Germany
H. Grosse Daldrup, managing director, and Helge Jansen, head of Research & Development, Refratechnik Steel, Düsseldorf, Germany (rtsteel@refra.com)

Magnesia-carbon bricks have generally replaced dolomite bricks in BOF refractory linings due to their higher efficiency and cost effectiveness. The latest developments in refractory technology and their impact on the lifetime and performance of linings are presented.


Steel Ladle Campaign Improvements at ISG Sparrows Point
James O. Barrett, steelmaking refractories manager, and Richard E. Fash, manufacturing manager — BOF and caster, International Steel Group Inc., Sparrows Point, Md.; Tomas Richter, director of market technology, and Bill Patterson, technical advisor, North American Refractories, Moon Township, Pa. (rfash@intlsteel.com)

Improvements and modifications in the steel metallurgical process and ladle refractories at Sparrows Point have led to campaigns in excess of 250 heats. This article discusses the history of refractory upgrades and lining configurations that made this performance progress possible.


AIST Operating Committees — Are You Missing Out?
Joann Cantrell, editor, Iron & Steel Technology, and William Albaugh, manager — membership programs, AIST (balbaugh@aist.org)

Comprised of more than 8,000 industry professionals, AIST membership represents a vast array of age, experience, skills and knowledge. This diverse group of steel producers, suppliers, academics and consumers strives to support the AIST mission of advancing the technical development, production, processing and application of iron and steel. A key conduit to fulfilling this mission is participation on any of the various AIST Operating Committees, whereby you can get to know other members as colleagues and friends. As with most anything, you will get as much from your AIST membership as you put into it. Are you missing out on this valuable opportunity?Read on to learn more about our Operating Committees and how you can get involved.


Nozzle Plugging of Calcium-treated Steel
Rob Dekkers, Bart Blanpain and Patrick Wollants Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium

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