More effective removal of oxide inclusions from rail steel in the intermediate ladle

Thermodynamic analysis of the transition of nonmetallic inclusions from metal to slag shows that, in this transition, breakaway of the inclusions from the metal is thermodynamically impossible and the inclusions accumulate at the interface on the slag side. This obstructs subsequent inclusions arriving at the interface and hinders their removal from the steel. Therefore, the successful assimilation of inclusions by the slag calls for the renewal of the slag layer adjacent to the metal by kinetic means—for example, by injecting inert gas into the steel. Industrial tests of argon injection into the steel in the intermediate ladle in casting confirm that the content of oxide inclusions in the rails is reduced.