IMPROVED ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS FOR CALCIUM TREATMENT IN STEEL

摘要

Increasing demands on steelmakers, especially in regard to energy efficiency and environmental considerations, are pushing steel producers to use more accurate and effective calcium treatment. Solid calcium core wire, particularly when used in conjunction with deep lance injection, is technically superior to alternative powder fill wires, assuring enhanced process control, highest calcium yield and desired steel cleanliness. It results in improved energy efficiencies and environmental advantages such as highest calcium content per package, lowest transport, material handling and storage costs, lowest calcium consumption/waste and fewest overall deliveries. Safety benefits of this technology include less material handling, fewer package changeovers and no breakage of stiff, welded wire. In addition, calcium produced in the United States uses an aluminothermic process that produces significantly lower emissions compared with alternative electrolytic processes used in imported calcium. This paper reviews a means to save energy, improve safety and reduce emissions in calcium treatment of steel.