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By H. W. Russell, H Pray, Paul D. MILLER

It is known that austenitic chromium-nickel steels that have free carbide in the grain boundaries are subject to intergranu-lar corrosion. It is difficult to detect such a susceptible condition in a fabricated article because present test methods require a sample section for examination and in most cases this is difficult to obtain. The question of the nature and prevention of intergranular corrosion in austenitic stainless steels has been ably discussed by Bain and co-workers1-3 and by other investigator4-10 The present methods of study subject samples to corrosive conditions in such reagents as the Strauss solution, a mixture of copper sulphate and sulphuric acid. Such tests usually require at least 72 hr. to run. Various methods of measuring the degree of sensitization have been employed, such as the measurement of electrical resistivity, magnetic measuremerits, measurement of the degree of cracking produced on bending over a malldrel, and microscopic studies. The detection of carbides at the grain boundaries by metallographic polishing and etching methods is tedious and requires a skilled operator. A recent report on such methods of carbide detection is given by the American Society for Testing Materials Subcommittee VI of Committee A.-1011 and by Arness.12 The present investigation was undertaken to develop a simple test procedure for detecting carbide precipitation or susceptibility to intergranular corrosion. The test is designed for use in the plant and for the testing of fabricated structures. Carbide precipitation, the factor leading to susceptibility to corrosion, is produced by heating the alloy in the temperature range 800° to 1600°F., as in welding, in improper annealing or in service where such temperatures are met. The connection between such precipitation and susceptibility to corrosion has been thoroughly discussed, as has been the use of stabilizing addition elements to prevent precipitation. Experimental Method A small area of the steel under test is subjected to an anodic treatment in a cell that can be 'lamped Onto a a Or an actual structure. The cell and electrical circuit used are illustrated in Fig. I. The cell C is lead, joined to the steel plate D and insulated from it by a short piece of rubber tubing E. The cell is forced tightly against the steel plate by a spring Or clamping device. The seal formed by the rubber against the steel plate is sufficient to retain the liquid bath inside the cell. The spot treated can be made any shape desired, depending on the shape of the rubber gasket. The cell illustrated polishes a circular spot about 3/8- diameter' The bath consists of 60 per cent (by weight) sulphuric acid to which is added 5 ml. per liter of Glycyrrhiza extract (U.S.P.). The cell requires about 2 to 2.5

Jan 1, 1941

By Frederick N. Rhines, Robert F. Mehl

Relatively few data have been collected on the rates of diffusion in ternary solid solution systems. In general it does not seem worth while to gather extensive data for such systems until the factors that determine the rates of diffusion in binary systems are better understood. But the rates of diffusion in a ternary system of limited solid solubility, in which the terminal solid solution is in equilibrium with an intermediate phase and may thus be represented as a quasibinary system, represents a case of special interest. In this case, where by reason of the association of the two solute metals in an intermediate phase a special attraction of the two solute atoms may be safely assumed, some interaction of these atoms during simultaneous diffusion in the solvent lattice might be expected. It has frequently been proposed that molecular solid solutions exist in quasibinary and in other ternary (and binary) solid solutions. There is no direct evidence for such solid solutions; arguments based upon the supposed anomaly in certain physical properties1 are hardly important; unexpected density relationships have proved deceptive;2 suggestions of molecular solid solutions have been made on the basis of solution laws in their application to certain systems, but without result;3 attempts to find lattice parameters in the solid solution Al-MgZnz, which cannot be calculated from the separate effects of magnesium and zinc and might therefore be taken as evidence for a molecular aggregation, have given negative results.* Fundamentally, methods for the determination of the state of molecular aggregation in solution depend upon the kinetic behavior of the particles constituting the system. If it could be shown that the two solutes in a quasibinary ternary system diffuse in molecular proportions, despite a radical difference in the separate rates of diffusion of each solute when diffusing alone in the solvent lattice, some basis for the concept of molecular solid solution would be afforded. Freche5 examined the rates of

Jan 1, 1940

By Frederick N. Rhines, Robert F. Mehl

Relatively few data have been collected on the rates of diffusion in ternary solid solution systems. In general it does not seem worth while to gather extensive data for such systems until the factors that determine the rates of diffusion in binary systems are better understood. But the rates of diffusion in a ternary system of limited solid solubility, in which the terminal solid solution is in equilibrium with an intermediate phase and may thus be represented as a quasibinary system, represents a case of special interest. In this case, where by reason of the association of the two solute metals in an intermediate phase a special attraction of the two solute atoms may be safely assumed, some interaction of these atoms during simultaneous diffusion in the solvent lattice might be expected. It has frequently been proposed that molecular solid solutions exist in quasibinary and in other ternary (and binary) solid solutions. There is no direct evidence for such solid solutions; arguments based upon the supposed anomaly in certain physical properties1 are hardly important; unexpected density relationships have proved deceptive;2 suggestions of molecular solid solutions have been made on the basis of solution laws in their application to certain systems, but without result;3 attempts to find lattice parameters in the solid solution Al-MgZnz, which cannot be calculated from the separate effects of magnesium and zinc and might therefore be taken as evidence for a molecular aggregation, have given negative results.* Fundamentally, methods for the determination of the state of molecular aggregation in solution depend upon the kinetic behavior of the particles constituting the system. If it could be shown that the two solutes in a quasibinary ternary system diffuse in molecular proportions, despite a radical difference in the separate rates of diffusion of each solute when diffusing alone in the solvent lattice, some basis for the concept of molecular solid solution would be afforded. Freche5 examined the rates of

Jan 1, 1940

By Robert McClurkin

Over a long period of time considerable attention has been paid to the chemical properties of the materials entering the iron blast-furnace charge. Infinite care has been used in the selection of materials having the correct chemical composition. Little attention has been paid to the physical properties of either the ore, coke or limestone. Until comparatively recent times the coke as produced, as well as the ore, was charged into the furnace without any attempt to maintain uniformity in physical size. Recently some work has been done along the lines of sizing of coke and in some cases the sizing of ore has been applied. In each instance marked results in the efficiency of operation have been attained. The effect of changing the physical size of the materials entering the burden has been reflected directly in the coke consumption. From the experience of operators and the results of numerous investigations which have been conducted on blast-furnace materials, it may be stated definitely that the physical properties of the materials entering the charge have as much bearing on the efficiency of the process as the chemical properties of these materials. Structure of Sinter On the Continent and more recently in this country iron-ore sinter has been introduced in blast-furnace burdens. The effect of the use of sinter has resulted in a material reduction in the coke consumption and an increase in the capacity of the furnace. The effect of the use of sinter is due undoubtedly to its porosity and to its physical size and, incidentally, to the chemical condition of the iron in the sinter and to the absence of combined water. Compared with Mesabi ores, all sinters are generally larger in size than the ore particles, and the structure of the sinter differs considerably from the structure of the ore. In sinter the mass is porous and open and makes available a great deal of surface for gas contact during the process of reduction. Most ores are relatively dense and nonporous and when the particle size is large the time element required for reduction is materially increased. The result of a very thorough investigation on iron-ore sinter by Schwartzll has shown that sinter is completely cellular in structure and

Jan 1, 1932

By Perry G. Harrison

The increased use of sintering for the beneficiation of iron ores and the reclaiming of flue dust creates a lively interest in sintering costs and economics. The character of material sintered and geographical location of plants so radically alter sintering costs and economics that it is well.to understand at least the basic elements which control such changes. The following cost factors are believed to be roughly approximated for large-scale Dwight-Lloyd continuously operated sinter-machine installations located anywhere. Per Crude Ton Labor, supplies and repairs 0.15 Power 6.5¢ X kw-hr. rate ? Plant overhead and administration 0.05 Depreciation per ton annual capacity 0.05 Fuel: 6 per cent coke breeze or equivalent minimum ? 1 per cent coke breeze additional for each 5 per cent free and combined water in ore or dust ? Ignition distillate at 0.6 gal. per ton ? Per Sinter Ton Royalty on ore 0.10 Royalty on flue dust 0.15 Per Crude Ton "Winter expense"; i. e., the cost of the five months enforced idle . period for plants tied in to Great Lakes transportation season 0.03 Using the foregoing data, it is possible to roughly approximate the cost of efficient sintering at any location for any ore, viz: Per Crude Ton Per Ton Handled Sinter 1. Flue Dust—Steel Plant Locations Sinter recovery, 15 per cent moisture and carbon 85 per cent Labor, supplies and repairs 0.15 0.18 Power 6.5¢ X 1¢ kw-hr. 0.065 0.08 Plant overhead and administration 0.05 0.06 Depreciation per ton 0.05 0.06 Dust handling and preparation 0.10 0.12 Fuel: free, contained in dust Ignition: blast-furnace gas free Royalty 0.15 Total $0.65 Note:—Cost increased by either deficiency or considerable excess of carbon in dust.

Jan 1, 1932

By Perry G. Harrison

The first autlientic description of an iron bath for the deposition of iron is probably that of Bottger in 1846, who used a bath containing ferrous sulfate and ammonium chloride. In 1861, Kramer deposited iron from ferrous chloride solution. Electrolytic iron was produced in 1869 by Bietz, who used it for making some magnetic tests. In the same year, Klein is. said to have worked out his process. Jacobil in 1869 described the results obtained in electroplating with iron on copper for making dies and plates for bank notes, by Klein's process. A letter from Klein to Jacobi describes the bath more fully. It consisted of FeS04 + (NH4)2SO4. Lenz2 described some properties of electrolytically precipitated iron. He used Klein's bath, FeS0, + MgSO4 + MgCO3, to neutralize and obtained fine-grained and hard iron. His conclusions were as follows: 1. Electrolytic iron and copper contain gases, notably hydrogen. 2. The volume of gas absorbed by iron varies within wide limits, but it is easy for iron to take up very considerable quantities of gas. 3. The absorption of gas is principally in the first formed layers of iron. 4. When iron is heated, gas begins to come off below 100°, principally hydrogen. 5. Heated to redness, reduced iron oxidizes in water, in part at least at the expense of the oxygen of the water, decomposing it and setting free hydrogen, which is partly or wholly absorbed. Siemens,3 in 1889, was the first to propose a general process embodying a step for leaching a sulfide mineral with ferric chloride or sulfate and a step for regenerating the leach and depositing iron on a cathode in a diaphragm cell. So far as is known, Siemens did not carry out his patent

Jan 1, 1930

By C. H. Herty

Almost every metallurgist who has given the Howe Memorial Lecture has had a personal contact with the distinguished gentleman to whose honor this hour is devoted. Unfortunately for me, such personal contacts were not possible. However, in the preparation of a thesis on the open-hearth process, one of my earliest tasks was to make a survey of the literature, and it was from Professor Howe's Metallurgy of Iron and Steel that I drew a number of references to previous work which formed the foundation for my reading. In his volume there is such a complete exposition of the then current thought on the subject of slags and on their role in the elimination of phosphorus from steel that I feel no hesitation in discussing in this Howe Lecture the subject of "Slag Control." In the present era of close specification, the drive for uniformity of product, and the close inspection of the product and of the cost sheet, the utmost efforts must be made to control the steelmaking variables to the best advantage of the steel producer. One of the major variables is the slag in the furnace and its effect upon the composition and quality of the metal. What advantages are to be gained from slag control? In the broad sense the advantages must be tremendous, because the very foundations of good steel melting are based on "shaping up" the slag to a point where, with proper temperature, the heat is ready for the final additions. Every melter works toward these ends through his experience with innumerable heats of steel. The elimination of undesirable constituents such as phosphorus and sulphur is entirely a matter of slag composition and physical nature, a point well known for over half a century. The role played by the slag in assisting in proper heat transfer from roof and flame to the steel has been equally well known. In more recent years there has come the problem of oxygen control in the more accurate gauging of additions for making high-grade rimmed steel for the new strip mills, and in the deoxidizing additions for grain-size control and cleanliness of forging steels, both carbon and alloy. In this problem the oxidizing characteristics of the slag are of prime importance.

Jan 1, 1940

By C. H. Herty

Almost every metallurgist who has given the Howe Memorial Lecture has had a personal contact with the distinguished gentleman to whose honor this hour is devoted. Unfortunately for me, such personal contacts were not possible. However, in the preparation of a thesis on the open-hearth process, one of my earliest tasks was to make a survey of the literature, and it was from Professor Howe's Metallurgy of Iron and Steel that I drew a number of references to previous work which formed the foundation for my reading. In his volume there is such a complete exposition of the then current thought on the subject of slags and on their role in the elimination of phosphorus from steel that I feel no hesitation in discussing in this Howe Lecture the subject of "Slag Control." In the present era of close specification, the drive for uniformity of product, and the close inspection of the product and of the cost sheet, the utmost efforts must be made to control the steelmaking variables to the best advantage of the steel producer. One of the major variables is the slag in the furnace and its effect upon the composition and quality of the metal. What advantages are to be gained from slag control? In the broad sense the advantages must be tremendous, because the very foundations of good steel melting are based on "shaping up" the slag to a point where, with proper temperature, the heat is ready for the final additions. Every melter works toward these ends through his experience with innumerable heats of steel. The elimination of undesirable constituents such as phosphorus and sulphur is entirely a matter of slag composition and physical nature, a point well known for over half a century. The role played by the slag in assisting in proper heat transfer from roof and flame to the steel has been equally well known. In more recent years there has come the problem of oxygen control in the more accurate gauging of additions for making high-grade rimmed steel for the new strip mills, and in the deoxidizing additions for grain-size control and cleanliness of forging steels, both carbon and alloy. In this problem the oxidizing characteristics of the slag are of prime importance.

Jan 1, 1940

By Ralph H. Sweetser

To control the slag in an iron blast furnace is to control the quality of the pig iron produced (and to a certain extent the tonnage), and to control the whole operation of the furnace itself, including a large part of the cost of production. The character of the slag is the determining factor in the character of the pig iron as to the controllable limits of sulfur, silicon, and, to a certain extent, the manganese; it has an influence on the proportions of combined and graphitic carbons.

Jan 1, 1935

By Ralph H. Sweetser

To control the slag in an iron blast furnace is to control the quality of the pig iron produced (and to a certain extent the tonnage), and to control the whole operation of the furnace itself, including a large part of the cost of production. The character of the slag is the determining factor in the character of the pig iron as to the controllable limits of sulfur, silicon, and, to a certain extent, the manganese; it has an influence on the proportions of combined and graphitic carbons.

Jan 1, 1935

By Frank G. Norris

Slag control is adjustment of the composition of the slag, especially with respect to the FeO content. The theoretical method of slag control would be to charge a mixture of pig iron and scrap of given composition into the furnace, to melt always at the same carbon, and, after a uniform ore addition, to tap with a constant slag composition. Such conditions are not even approximated. Both scrap and pig iron are of variable, and, in many cases, unknown composition. The charge is oxidized to a variable extent during melting. The result is that the FeO content of the slag, and consequently of the metal at tap, varies over a wide range. In order to make a nearly uniform product, this variation must be compensated for in some way. One way is to adapt the ladle deoxidation to the requirements of the metal. The other is to control the slag. In a general sense slag control may be considered as a method of compensating for variations in the composition of the charge and in oxidation during melting. The method of slag control for low-carbon steel was developed by Dr. Herty at our Butler plant3. Use of this method enables the furnace operator to tap heats at a more nearly constant FeO content and, therefore, to use a more nearly uniform deoxidation practice. The desired FeO and the accompanying deoxidation will depend on the application of the product. This statement implies that 0.10 carbon steel finished with a 15 FeO slag may be essentially different from a 0.10 carbon steel finished with a 30 FeO slag. In making low-carbon steel, the desired carbon places a lower limit on the FeO content of the slag, because the slag must be sufficiently oxidizing for proper carbon elimination. With this degree of oxidation, the phosphorus specification is met without difficulty, and there is little danger of phosphorus reversion. Thus a limiting factor in high-carbon heats is of slight importance in low-carbon heats. For heats of 0.05 to 0.07 per cent carbon, the FeO content of the slag may be controlled at

Jan 1, 1935

By Frank G. Norris

Slag control is adjustment of the composition of the slag, especially with respect to the FeO content. The theoretical method of slag control would be to charge a mixture of pig iron and scrap of given composition into the furnace, to melt always at the same carbon, and, after a uniform ore addition, to tap with a constant slag composition. Such conditions are not even approximated. Both scrap and pig iron are of variable, and, in many cases, unknown composition. The charge is oxidized to a variable extent during melting. The result is that the FeO content of the slag, and consequently of the metal at tap, varies over a wide range. In order to make a nearly uniform product, this variation must be compensated for in some way. One way is to adapt the ladle deoxidation to the requirements of the metal. The other is to control the slag. In a general sense slag control may be considered as a method of compensating for variations in the composition of the charge and in oxidation during melting. The method of slag control for low-carbon steel was developed by Dr. Herty at our Butler plant3. Use of this method enables the furnace operator to tap heats at a more nearly constant FeO content and, therefore, to use a more nearly uniform deoxidation practice. The desired FeO and the accompanying deoxidation will depend on the application of the product. This statement implies that 0.10 carbon steel finished with a 15 FeO slag may be essentially different from a 0.10 carbon steel finished with a 30 FeO slag. In making low-carbon steel, the desired carbon places a lower limit on the FeO content of the slag, because the slag must be sufficiently oxidizing for proper carbon elimination. With this degree of oxidation, the phosphorus specification is met without difficulty, and there is little danger of phosphorus reversion. Thus a limiting factor in high-carbon heats is of slight importance in low-carbon heats. For heats of 0.05 to 0.07 per cent carbon, the FeO content of the slag may be controlled at

Jan 1, 1935

By R. C. Good

Slag control for any kind of steel, rimming, straight carbon or alloy, should start with the charge and be developed well in advance of the tap because its composition, viscosity and temperature will unquestionably govern the physical and chemical properties of the steel when tapped. In the majority of plants producing alloy steels, primary consideration is given to the chemical specifications; physical characteristics usually occupy secondary place in the melter's mind. Recently, however, buyers have indicated limits of machinability, hardenability, grain size and, of course, always wanted steel free from foreign nonmetallic inclusions. It is these latter specifications that require the attention of the operator to the slag and its control. The slag must act as a vehicle for oxidized elements originating from the metallic portion of the charge; it should hold the oxides of phosphorus, silicon, manganese, iron and chromium that come into contact with it either before or after the refining and finishing stage of the heat. It must be used as a transferring medium of oxygen from the atmosphere or oxide additions to the metal and should permit a free escape of gas generated within the charge. Finally, the slag is the principal controlling factor in regulating the rate of oxidation which in turn eventually determines the quality of the steel as measured for the various characteristics mentioned above. With pig iron of uniform composition, the iron oxide in the slag increases as the limestone is increased but with the same addition of stone in every heat, the iron oxide decreases as the silicon is increased in the charge, and vice versa.

Jan 1, 1935

By R. C. Good

Slag control for any kind of steel, rimming, straight carbon or alloy, should start with the charge and be developed well in advance of the tap because its composition, viscosity and temperature will unquestionably govern the physical and chemical properties of the steel when tapped. In the majority of plants producing alloy steels, primary consideration is given to the chemical specifications; physical characteristics usually occupy secondary place in the melter's mind. Recently, however, buyers have indicated limits of machinability, hardenability, grain size and, of course, always wanted steel free from foreign nonmetallic inclusions. It is these latter specifications that require the attention of the operator to the slag and its control. The slag must act as a vehicle for oxidized elements originating from the metallic portion of the charge; it should hold the oxides of phosphorus, silicon, manganese, iron and chromium that come into contact with it either before or after the refining and finishing stage of the heat. It must be used as a transferring medium of oxygen from the atmosphere or oxide additions to the metal and should permit a free escape of gas generated within the charge. Finally, the slag is the principal controlling factor in regulating the rate of oxidation which in turn eventually determines the quality of the steel as measured for the various characteristics mentioned above. With pig iron of uniform composition, the iron oxide in the slag increases as the limestone is increased but with the same addition of stone in every heat, the iron oxide decreases as the silicon is increased in the charge, and vice versa.

Jan 1, 1935

By A. L. Field

This general subject has been so thoroughly discussed by Dr. Herty and his associates, especially with regard to the degree of oxidation of the metal at the time that the silicon pig or spiegel is added, that I am not going to spend much time on that today. I should like to propound a question, which is based on my own observations made some years ago while with a large alloy-steel company which had two open-hearth furnace plants. It is true that one of these plants was not engaged particularly in making alloy steels, but there were certain relations between slag and metal composition which appeared to me to be entirely different in the two plants. I have an explanation for it that is more or less incomplete, but possibly Dr. Herty or Mr. Reinartz or some of the others may be able to complete it. Suppose we take our three layers; the metal on the bottom, on top of that the slag, and on top of the slag, the gas. We cannot overlook the gaseous phase. Regardless of the effect of the iron oxide in the slag on the rate of carbon elimination—and that, of course, is rather important in alloy practice since it is not desirable to have the carbon dropping too rapidly at the time the deoxidizing is had in the furnace—it will probably be admitted that it depends on the iron oxide in the metal for a given carbon oxide. I have seen cases where with approximately identical metal and slag compositions one furnace would work twice as rapidly as another in removing carbon. Of course, there is some explanation of this in what others have already said, that the question of the exact lime and silica content of the slag determines the activity and viscosity of the slag; but I am convinced, without having reviewed the actual records since I was asked to make this talk, because they were not available at the time, that the slags in these two furnaces were not materially different. Putting it another way, one furnace would have

Jan 1, 1935

By A. L. Field

This general subject has been so thoroughly discussed by Dr. Herty and his associates, especially with regard to the degree of oxidation of the metal at the time that the silicon pig or spiegel is added, that I am not going to spend much time on that today. I should like to propound a question, which is based on my own observations made some years ago while with a large alloy-steel company which had two open-hearth furnace plants. It is true that one of these plants was not engaged particularly in making alloy steels, but there were certain relations between slag and metal composition which appeared to me to be entirely different in the two plants. I have an explanation for it that is more or less incomplete, but possibly Dr. Herty or Mr. Reinartz or some of the others may be able to complete it. Suppose we take our three layers; the metal on the bottom, on top of that the slag, and on top of the slag, the gas. We cannot overlook the gaseous phase. Regardless of the effect of the iron oxide in the slag on the rate of carbon elimination—and that, of course, is rather important in alloy practice since it is not desirable to have the carbon dropping too rapidly at the time the deoxidizing is had in the furnace—it will probably be admitted that it depends on the iron oxide in the metal for a given carbon oxide. I have seen cases where with approximately identical metal and slag compositions one furnace would work twice as rapidly as another in removing carbon. Of course, there is some explanation of this in what others have already said, that the question of the exact lime and silica content of the slag determines the activity and viscosity of the slag; but I am convinced, without having reviewed the actual records since I was asked to make this talk, because they were not available at the time, that the slags in these two furnaces were not materially different. Putting it another way, one furnace would have

Jan 1, 1935

By H. F. Walther

Basic electric-are furnace steel production mainly involves the use of two separate types of slags. The first, known as the "melt down" or oxidizing slag, which is in most cases removed from the furnace mechanically, and the heat finished under the second or deoxidizing slag, which is commonly known as the "finishing slag.'' The melt down slag is formed by the addition of lime or limestone to the charge, which combines with the oxides formed during the melting period and the product of any bottom erosion that may take place.

Jan 1, 1935

By H. F. Walther

Basic electric-are furnace steel production mainly involves the use of two separate types of slags. The first, known as the "melt down" or oxidizing slag, which is in most cases removed from the furnace mechanically, and the heat finished under the second or deoxidizing slag, which is commonly known as the "finishing slag.'' The melt down slag is formed by the addition of lime or limestone to the charge, which combines with the oxides formed during the melting period and the product of any bottom erosion that may take place.

Jan 1, 1935

By W. J. Reagan

All of the material described in the following paper is within the following specifications: carbon, 0.50 to 0.85 per cent; phosphorus and sulfur, 0.04 per cent max.; manganese, 0.60 to 0.85 per cent; silicon, 0.20 to 0.30 per cent. Steels with much lower carbon contents can be handled in exactly the same manner. One of the first things necessary to basic open-hearth slag control is uniformity of charge, particularly as to the silicon content and the percentage of lime charged. Our past work has shown that the silicon content of the charge is more important than the carbon content in determining the carbon at which a heat will melt. We have found that by keeping the silicon content of the charge about 0.60 to 0.65 per cent, and with a lime charge of about 7 per cent (limestone equivalent), our heats melt sufficiently high in carbon to allow a moderate feed of ore and the slag will be of low iron oxide content. In making a heat of 0.75 carbon steel we endeavor to have the heat melt at about 1.20 per cent carbon. The iron oxide content of the finishing slag depends upon the final phosphorus desired; for a given ratio of lime-silica in the slag, the lower the phosphorus desired in the final steel, the higher the iron oxide content of the finishing slag must be. By reducing the lime charge to a minimum, the heats melt faster, and by keeping the silicon content at the desired figure the heats melt with a high SiO2 slag, which has been shown in previous work to give a low iron oxide slag. In most of our work, using a 180,000-lb. charge and with basic pig containing about 1.20 per cent silicon, we use a lime charge of 8500 lb. of limestone and 2000 lb. of burnt lime. The pig charge is about 48 per cent of cold pig, and the charge contains a large percentage of works scrap. This causes a heat to melt with about 1.20 to 1.30 per cent carbon, for a heat that will finish about 0.75 per cent carbon. This gives a heat that will need a feed of about 2000 lb. of ore, and also a slag with an FeO content of about 4 to 5 per cent at melting. The additional FeO obtained from the ore addition will bring the FeO in the slag at tapping to about 6 to 7 per cent. It is necessary to carry quite a fluid slag to prevent pickup of FeO, as a too heavy slag causes FeO to build up in it, giving a finishing slag with a greater FeO than is desired. By adjusting the lime charge of a basic open-hearth heat, a very sensitive adjustment of the slag may be obtained. The figures in Table 1

Jan 1, 1935

By W. J. Reagan

All of the material described in the following paper is within the following specifications: carbon, 0.50 to 0.85 per cent; phosphorus and sulfur, 0.04 per cent max.; manganese, 0.60 to 0.85 per cent; silicon, 0.20 to 0.30 per cent. Steels with much lower carbon contents can be handled in exactly the same manner. One of the first things necessary to basic open-hearth slag control is uniformity of charge, particularly as to the silicon content and the percentage of lime charged. Our past work has shown that the silicon content of the charge is more important than the carbon content in determining the carbon at which a heat will melt. We have found that by keeping the silicon content of the charge about 0.60 to 0.65 per cent, and with a lime charge of about 7 per cent (limestone equivalent), our heats melt sufficiently high in carbon to allow a moderate feed of ore and the slag will be of low iron oxide content. In making a heat of 0.75 carbon steel we endeavor to have the heat melt at about 1.20 per cent carbon. The iron oxide content of the finishing slag depends upon the final phosphorus desired; for a given ratio of lime-silica in the slag, the lower the phosphorus desired in the final steel, the higher the iron oxide content of the finishing slag must be. By reducing the lime charge to a minimum, the heats melt faster, and by keeping the silicon content at the desired figure the heats melt with a high SiO2 slag, which has been shown in previous work to give a low iron oxide slag. In most of our work, using a 180,000-lb. charge and with basic pig containing about 1.20 per cent silicon, we use a lime charge of 8500 lb. of limestone and 2000 lb. of burnt lime. The pig charge is about 48 per cent of cold pig, and the charge contains a large percentage of works scrap. This causes a heat to melt with about 1.20 to 1.30 per cent carbon, for a heat that will finish about 0.75 per cent carbon. This gives a heat that will need a feed of about 2000 lb. of ore, and also a slag with an FeO content of about 4 to 5 per cent at melting. The additional FeO obtained from the ore addition will bring the FeO in the slag at tapping to about 6 to 7 per cent. It is necessary to carry quite a fluid slag to prevent pickup of FeO, as a too heavy slag causes FeO to build up in it, giving a finishing slag with a greater FeO than is desired. By adjusting the lime charge of a basic open-hearth heat, a very sensitive adjustment of the slag may be obtained. The figures in Table 1

Jan 1, 1935