OXIDE INCLUSION BEHAVIOUR DURING CONSUMABLE ELECTRODE REMELTING.

The behavior of electrode inclusion distributions on ESR and VAR melting has been studied in iron and iron-copper alloys. The relation between electrode inclusions and ingot inclusions has been examined in cases where the former was of well defined chemical composition. It is concluded that the physical solution of inclusions in the electrode is a minor part of the overall inclusion removal, and that virtually no ingot inclusions are identifiable electrode inclusion relics. The major steps influencing ingot inclusion contents are the slag-metal reactions, and solution at the slag/metal interfaces. Conditions for minimum ingot inclusion content are suggested.