Study of Fluorite-Containing Fluxes by Scanning Electron Microscopy

Scanning electron microscopy is used to study fluxes used in ESSW-6 of the Chelyabinsk Metallurgical Combine for producing refining slag in a steel-pouring ladle during extra-furnace treatment of steel by AKOS (complex steel processing facility). Three forms of flux containing feldspar are studied: fluorite briquettes FB 85 (TU 48-15-29–91) and fluorite concentrates FK 85 and FK 92 (GOST 29220–91). The average specimen chemical composition and its individual fragments are studied. It is established that for extra-furnace treatment of low-carbon stainless steel it is most preferable to use fluorite concentrate F 92 with a high basic element concentration and low (less than 3%) carbon content.