Abstract
The LD-AOD process was previously reported. This report is concerned with direct stainless steelmaking by AOD process with top blowing from molten Fe-Ni and Fe-Cr materials, which has been investigated in order to get increased saving of materials and energy. The results obtained are as follows:
1) The steelmaking process can be simplified because of unnecessary pretreatment in the E.F. or the L.D. converter.
2) AOD with top blowing is effective to refine high carbon (C = 3.54.5%) and high silicon (Si = 1.52.5%) molten alloys. It results in increase of the decarburization and desiliconization rate, and consequently reduces operation time and Fe-Si consumption.
3) Although 84% of the inert gas consumed is nitrogen, the nitrogen content in the products can be controlled below 650 ppm.
