Relationship between Oxygen Chemical Potential and Steel Cleanliness

To investigate inclusion formation in each step during steel making process, several samples were taken in different steps of the production of steel at Mobarakeh Steel Co of Esfahan to measure the oxygen chemical potential of the molten steel in each stage. The chemical compositions of the inclusions in samples were investigated by scanning electron microscope. The chemical composition of the slag was analyzed. With the use of thermodynamic calculations and chemical analysis of the melt, at the working temperature, the relationship between dissolved oxygen and other elements were determined. Finally, it was found that there is a close relationship between inclusions formed in each step with the oxygen partial pressure.