Metal treatment products for ferrous alloys
Inoculants for all types of iron
The metallurgical quality of iron castings depends on the solidification mode which can be modified by inoculation. INOCULIN inoculants are a range of granular products for the inoculation of all cast irons and may be mixtures of inoculating materials or single ferrosilicon alloys containing one or more alloying elements. They are available in a variety of grain sizes for metal stream, ladle, in mould and spun pipe application.
Foseco also offers metal in-stream inoculation systems. These MSI systems are designed specifically for use with Foseco’s range of INOCULIN alloys and are applicable to flake graphite, spheroidal graphite and compacted graphite iron grades.
Spheroidisers
NODULANT tablets are a low silicon magnesium addition for the ladle treatment of sg iron. They can be used in the overpour or sandwich processes by themself or in conjunction with MgFeSi. NODULANT tablets provide cleaner metal and lower scrap rates due to dross. Melting higher silicon irons decreases refractory attack of acid linings in electric furnances and increases lining life by up to 50%.
NODULANT granular spheroidisers for compacted and nodular cast irons are available in a variety of chemistries and grain sizes.
Fluxes and slag coagulants
Foseco offers FERROGEN scavenging and fluxing products for treatment ladles, transfer ladles and coreless induction furnaces and SLAX slag coagulants are a range of products for coagulating and removing slag from the surface of melts in ladles or furnaces.
FERROGEN 8 is used in coreless induction furnaces. The stirring action of induction melting that ensures a more homogenous microstructure, distributes the slag material throughout the melt and increases the risk of slag related defects. Slag build up on the furnace walls increases melting times and energy costs. FERROGEN 8 fluidises oxides and prevents adhesion to furnace walls and coalesces non-metallic particles suspended in the melt.
FERROGEN 53 is used in iron treatment and transfer ladles. High slag levels in the ladle increase the risk of slag related defects and premature blocking of filtered running and gating systems. Excessive slag build up on the ladle walls increases downtime due to maintenance, and aggressive slag removal procedures can damage the lining and reduce working life. FERROGEN 53 fluidises oxides, reduces adhesion to ladle walls and coalesces non-metallic particles suspended in the melt. It has no impact on Mg content or SG iron microstructure and is suitable for sandwich, tundish cover, cored wire and GF convertor processes.
Slag floats on the surface of the metal and must be removed before tapping. Many slags are liquid and of low viscosity and difficult to collect, they can be coagulated by adding SLAX. At molten metal temperatures the SLAX granules expand and form a low density, high volume crust which mops up the slag, which can then be lifted off the metal with ease, leaving the surface clean.
Casting clean: today’s solutions and opportunities
Learn more about improving casting quality in steel casting applications in our white paper Casting clean: today’s solutions and opportunities. This paper cuts through the noise and brings clarity to the clean steel debate: an overview of common casting defects is followed by a detailed review of the technologies currently on offer to reduce casting defects and improve cast quality at each stage of the steel casting process.