Interaction of the crucible material with liquid steel during vacuum deoxidation in a magnesium oxide crucible-comparison of a model with experiment

During the vacuum deoxidation of steel, the crucible holding the liquid steel contributes oxygen and other elements such as aluminium, magnesium etc. to the bath, depending on the type of crucible used. This contribution reduces the efficiency of the process and adds impurities to the bath. Mathematical models have been reported in literature to understand this phenomenon and regulate the process. Experiments were conducted using magnesium oxide crucible holding liquid steel to understand the effect of the crucible material on the oxygen level in the bath. The results are compared with a model developed to predict this level. There is good agreement between the predictions of the model and the measured oxygen levels. The model can be used to regulate the process of vacuum deoxidation and improve its efficiency.