In the relentless pursuit of cleaner and more efficient steel production, a groundbreaking study has emerged from the pages of ‘Teshugang’ (translated as “Iron and Steel”), offering a glimpse into the future of ultra-low-sulphur steel manufacturing. The research, led by Ma Quanfeng, details a novel approach to producing high-quality steel with sulphur content as low as 0.001%, a feat that could significantly impact the energy sector and beyond.
The study focuses on a 150-ton electric arc furnace (EAF) flow sheet, a common yet critical process in steel production. Ma Quanfeng and his team have demonstrated that by carefully controlling several key parameters, they can achieve remarkably low sulphur levels in the final steel product. “The production practice shows that for production of 0.20% to 0.24% carbon ultra-low-sulphur steel, we can achieve sulphur content as low as 0.001%,” Ma Quanfeng explains. This is a significant advancement, as sulphur is a common impurity in steel that can negatively affect its strength and durability.
The process involves several stages, including the electric arc furnace (EAF), ladle furnace (LF), vacuum degassing (VD), and continuous casting (CC). The team found that by starting with a 40% metal charge and using low-sulphur scrap, they could achieve an EAF end carbon content of 0.03% to 0.05% and an average sulphur content of 0.046%. Further refining in the ladle furnace brought the sulphur content down to an average of 0.017%.
The real magic happens in the final stages, where the team controls the oxygen content to less than 2.5 x 10-6 and ensures that the sum of iron oxide and manganese oxide is no more than 0.80%. They also maintain a slag amount of at least 22 kg per ton of steel and add approximately 1.85 kg of aluminium per ton. Sufficient argon stirring is crucial to achieving the desired ultra-low-sulphur content.
The implications of this research are far-reaching, particularly for the energy sector. Ultra-low-sulphur steel is essential for producing high-efficiency power plants and renewable energy infrastructure. “This technology not only improves the quality of steel but also enhances its performance in high-stress applications,” Ma Quanfeng notes. This could lead to more durable and efficient power generation and transmission systems, ultimately reducing energy costs and environmental impact.
The study, published in ‘Teshugang’, offers a promising path forward for the steel industry. As Ma Quanfeng and his team continue to refine their process, the potential for widespread adoption of ultra-low-sulphur steel production grows. This could herald a new era of cleaner, more efficient energy infrastructure, benefiting both industry and the environment. The research not only advances the field of metallurgy but also paves the way for innovative applications in the energy sector, making it a significant contribution to the ongoing quest for sustainable and efficient energy solutions.