In a significant stride towards enhancing the production of FB2 heat-resistant steel, a team of researchers led by Li Longfei from the Central Iron and Steel Research Institute in Beijing has developed a novel slag system for electroslag remelting (ESR). This innovation, detailed in a recent study published in *Teshugang* (which translates to *Iron and Steel*), promises to reduce element loss and improve the efficiency of steel production, with substantial implications for the energy sector.
The research team, which includes collaborators from the University of Science and Technology Beijing, focused on designing a new basic slag system that operates at a lower eutectic point. Utilizing FactSage software for calculations, they compared the traditional slag system with their newly designed formulation. The traditional system, composed of 69.65% CaF2, 29.85% Al2O3, and 0.5% B2O3, was pitted against the new system, which includes 50.4% CaF2, 26.5% CaO, 19.6% Al2O3, 3% MgO, and 0.5% B2O3.
The results were compelling. The new slag system exhibited lower melting temperatures, viscosity, and resistivity across various temperatures. “This reduction in physical properties is crucial for optimizing the electroslag remelting process,” explained Li Longfei. “It allows for more efficient and controlled melting, which is essential for producing high-quality heat-resistant steel.”
One of the key findings was the behavior of easily oxidizable elements such as silicon (Si) and boron (B). The study revealed that when the activity of Al2O3 in the slag is high and the activity of SiO2 and B2O3 is low, Si and B are more likely to react with the low oxygen potential Al2O3 between the slag and the metal. This reaction leads to a reduction in the content of these elements in the steel.
The researchers conducted slag-metal equilibrium and 10 kg electroslag remelting experiments to compare the two slag systems. They found that in both series, Si and B elements were burned, and aluminum (Al) increased in the steel. However, the new slag system (2#) showed a smaller fluctuation in element content and a significant decrease in the variation range of element content after 60 minutes of slag-metal equilibrium time.
“This stability is a game-changer for the industry,” noted Niu Chengzhou, a co-author of the study. “It means we can produce steel with more consistent properties, which is vital for applications in high-temperature environments, such as those found in power plants and industrial furnaces.”
The implications for the energy sector are profound. Heat-resistant steels are critical components in energy generation and industrial processes, where materials must withstand extreme temperatures and harsh conditions. By improving the efficiency and consistency of FB2 heat-resistant steel production, this research could lead to more reliable and durable components for power plants, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
Moreover, the reduced element loss translates to better material utilization and cost savings. “Every percentage point of element loss saved is a step towards more sustainable and economical steel production,” added Li Longfei.
As the energy sector continues to demand higher performance materials, innovations like this new slag system will play a pivotal role in meeting those needs. The research not only advances the field of metallurgy but also sets a new standard for the production of high-quality, heat-resistant steels.
With this breakthrough, the team at the Central Iron and Steel Research Institute and the University of Science and Technology Beijing has set the stage for future developments in the field, paving the way for more efficient and cost-effective steel production processes. The study, published in *Teshugang*, serves as a testament to the ongoing advancements in metallurgical technology and its critical role in shaping the future of the energy sector.