Abstract: A granular flux is made by intimately mixing a particulate glass frit with carbon black. The glass frit typically employed has a particle size distribution such that substantially all of the frit material has a particle size within the range of 0.5 to 4 mm. The carbon black is included in the flux in an amount of from 1 to 10 wt. %, based on the amount of the frit used. The disclosed flux is characterized by good flowability and its ability to remain mixed during transport.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to raw mix flux for the continuous casting of steel wherein the flux composition consists of a mixture of ceramic raw material having the following theoretical analysis based on the composition formed on melting the raw materials:K.sub.2 O: 0 to 5 percent by weightNa.sub.2 O: 20 to 35 percent by weightCaO: 5 to 25 percent by weightMgO: 0 to 1 percent by weightAl.sub.2 O.sub.3 : 3 to 10 percent by weightB.sub.2 O.sub.3 : 15 to 30 percent by weightSiO.sub.2 : 5 to 20 percent by weightF: 10 to 25 percent by weightFe.sub.2 O.sub.3 : 0 to 1 percent by weightand wherein the percentages of said ingredients total 100 percent by weight.

Abstract: A particulate slagging composition for the extended optimum continuous casting of a steel which tends to evolve alumina into the molten protective layer of said composition maintained on the top of a pool of molten steel. Such particulate slagging composition is characterized by a R' ratio (the sum of the theoretical net oxide analysis values of CaO+MgO+BaO+SrO+MnO+FeO+F+B.sub.2 O.sub.3 to the theoretical net oxide analysis value of SiO.sub.2) preselected for obtaining Opertional ADK values not substantially in excess of about 750 seconds after substantial absorption of alumina from the steel.

Abstract: A particulate slagging composition of glass network formers and fluxing agents therefor serving as a protective layer on the top of a pool of molten steel at the upper end of an open-ended continuous casting mold. Such particulate slagging composition is characterized by the absence of lithium, the inclusion of at least about 1/2 weight percent potassium oxide equivalent, and the flowidity and fusion range upon melting suitable for the continuous casting of a steel.