Abstract: A slag composition containing steelmaking slag and from about 0.5 to about 10 weight percent of reducing agent. The steelmaking slag contains from about 25 to about 55 weight percent of calcium oxide, from about 10 to about 50 weight percent of ferrous oxide, from about 5 to about 20 weight percent of magnesium oxide, from about 5 to about 20 weight percent of silicon oxide, and from about 0.5 to about 8 weight percent of manganese oxide. The reducing agent contains both calcium carbide and elemental aluminum. From about 5 to about 80 weight percent of the reducing agent is comprised of calcium carbide, and from about 10 to about 50 weight percent of such reducing agent is comprised of elemental aluminum.

Abstract: A process for stirring molten steel in a container. In this process, argon gas is introduced into the container at a flow rate of from about 0.005 to about 0.2 cubic feet of argon per ton of molten steel per minute, the extent to which said container is caused to vibrate is measured, analog signals are produced corresponding to the rate of flow of argon gas into said container, the analog signals are sampled at a rate of at least 800 times per second, the analog signals are converted to digital signals, the digital signals are transformed by subjecting them to fast Fourier transformation, and the transformed digital signals are evaluated.

Abstract: An indirect plasma-arc processor for aluminum dross is disclosed. The process involves melting aluminum dross in the presence of a flux in a furnace equipped with one or more arc-forming electrodes, wherein the arc is formed with a gas, such as argon. Molten oxides are removed from time to time, and the volatiles are removed via off-gas ducts.

Abstract: A process for treating metal comprises applying a positive DC potential to an ionic melt layer disposed on the surface of a liquid metal. The application of this potential provides a plasma phase above the ionic melt layer and induces a flow of electrons from the liquid metal towards the plasma phase. The ionic melt layer is capable of being maintained in a liquid state when it is in contact with the liquid metal. The process can be used either to remove impurities from the liquid metal, to alloy the liquid metal by adding metal compounds in the ionic melt layer, to recover metals from waste, or to perform a combination of these functions. An apparatus for treating liquid metals is also provided.