Abstract: A three-stage process for obtaining metallic Cr units insitu during the production of stainless steel. Raw chromite ore or a concentrate produced from chromite ore is mixed with a carbonaceous reductant and slagging agents are added to an iron bath (24) for smelting and refining in a refining reactor (10). During the first stage, partially metallized chromite is smelted by carbon in the reactor that is top-and bottom-blown with oxygen and oxygen-containing gases respectively to produce a chromium alloy bath having a carbon content well below saturation. In the second stage, the alloy bath is decarburized by being bottom stirred with the oxygen-containing gas to the final bath carbon specification. In the third stage, the alloy bath is reduced by a metalloid reductant such as silicon or aluminum and again bottom stirred but with a non-oxidizing gas to achieve a high chromium yield.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing stainless steel, by treating a raw high-carbon steel in a first stage with a gaseous mixture that contains oxygen and inert gas, therewith lowering the carbon content of the raw steel to a value of 0.2-0.1%. The steel bath is then treated in a second stage with solely an inert gas, until the carbon content has fallen to the desired value. The invention is characterized in that the steel bath is treated in the first stage alternately with an oxygen-rich gas and with an inert gas, until the carbon content of the steel has fallen to the desired value.

Abstract: In the production of stainless steels, it is possible to use foamed slag, with great advantages, by using a metal charge with specific carbon and silicon contents, by insufflating limestone and carbon, by controlling the amount of employed oxygen and by maintaining the basicity index of the slag within specific values.

Abstract: A chromium additive of the formula: Cr.sub.x C.sub.y O.sub.z where 0.04.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.35, and 0.03.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.0.30 for x=1, said additive having an X ray diffraction peak at d=3.32 .ANG. (2.theta.=26.8.degree.).