Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Steel. . .
But Were Afraid to Ask


Copyright Michelle Applebaum Research, Inc
2003-2006
All rights reserved.
June 2006
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V

VACUUM DEGASSING
An advanced steel refining facility that removes oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen under low
pressures (in a vacuum) to produce ultra-low-carbon steel for demanding electrical and
automotive applications.  Normally performed in the ladle, the removal of dissolved gases
results in cleaner, higher quality, more pure steel (see Ladle Metallurgy).  
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VACUUM OXYGEN DECARBURIZATION (VOD)

What?
Process for further refinement of stainless steel through reduction of carbon content.

Why?
The amount of carbon in stainless steel must be lower than that in carbon steel or lower alloy
steel (i.e., steel with alloying element content below 5%).  While electric arc furnaces (EAF) are
the conventional means of melting and refining stainless steel, VOD is an economical
supplement, as operating time is reduced and temperatures are lower than in EAF steelmaking.
 Additionally, using VOD for refining stainless steel increases the availability of the EAF for
melting purposes.  

How?  
Molten, unrefined steel is transferred from the EAF into a separate vessel, where it is heated
and stirred by an electrical current while oxygen enters from the top of the vessel.  Substantial
quantities of undesirable gases escape from the steel and are drawn off by a vacuum pump.  
Alloys and other additives are then mixed in to refine the molten steel further.  
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Source: Weirton Steel Glossary

Source: Dofasco Glossary of Terms

Source: Reliance Steel 10-K

Source: BlueScope Steel Glossary of Terms

Source: Allegheny Technologies 10-K

Source: Alcoa 10-K

Source: Alcan 10-K
                                                                    

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