Clogging of submerged nozzles in casting aluminum-bearing steel

The chemical composition of deposits on submersible nozzles in casting aluminum-bearing steel is analyzed. To understand their origin, attention turns to surface phenomena in steel smelting and, specifically, to the wettability of contacting phases. Analysis of literature data regarding contact phenomena in melts permits an explanation of deposit formation and exploration of its relation to the redox properties of the metals (the electrode potential). On that basis, the anticlogging properties of metal oxides may be assessed.