Abstract: The invention is of a method for minimizing slag carryover when draining molten metal from a furnace and an article for use in the method. This article is a polyhedral-shaped body having density intermediate that of the slag and metal. When thrown onto the surface of the slag within a restricted area over the taphole, the body will float at the slag-metal interface, and tend to lodge with one of its corners projecting into the taphole as the final portion of remaining metal drains out of the furnace. The shape of the body and its dimensions are selected so as to only partially block the taphole opening, causing flaring of the stream so as to signal a furnace operator of the impending flow of slag from the furnace. The operator then shuts off flow to prevent carryover of slag onto the molten metal already tapped. Since only the edges of the body contact the taphole of the body does not become welded to the wall of the taphole and therefore is easily dislodged without loss of time between heats.

Abstract: The relatively poor formability and spot weld fracture appearance of hot-rolled and heavy gauge cold-rolled low carbon steels (in which silicon is the primary deoxidant) have been attributed to manganese silicate stringer-type inclusions, generally found in this product. The addition of at least about 1/8 pound magnesium, per ton of steel cast, is shown to modify this deleterious inclusion morphology, with a resultant improvement in the ductility and weldability of such hot-rolled and the heavy gauge cold-rolled products.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the deoxidation of open type steels, e.g. rimmed and capped steels, which are particularly useful in the production of sheet products with improved formability. The requisite amount of deoxidation in the ladle is achieved through the use of conventional deoxidizers, other than aluminum (preferably silicon carbide). Deoxidation in the mold is also achieved without the use of aluminum. Here, however, it is necessary that mold deoxidation be achieved through the use of magnesium, generally added in the form of a magnesium-nickel alloy.