Abstract: A fluoride-free continuous casting mold flux for ultralow carbon steel, comprising the following components in weight percentage: 3-10% of Na2O, 0-3% of Li2O, 3-8% of MgO, 5-15% of MnO, 0-8% of BaO, 4-12% of Al2O3, and impurities with a content of no more than 2%, the balance being CaO and SiO2, wherein the ratio of CaO/SiO2 is 0.8-1.3; the raw materials are mixed and then pre-melted; the pre-melted mold flux requires micro-adjusting according to the component deviation, and the ratio of the pre-melted material is not lower than 70%; then a carbonaceous material of 1-3% by the total weight of the mold flux is added and mixed so as to obtain the finished product mold flux. Said mold flux has a melting point of 1100-1200° C. and a viscosity of 0.2-0.6 Pa·s at 1300° C.

Abstract: A quartz glass liquid level sensor includes a support frame, a light masking plate, a quartz glass tube, and a sensor module. The light masking plate is movably mounted on the support frame. The quartz glass tube is movably mounted to the support frame. One end of the quartz glass tube is securely fixed to the light masking plate. The sensor module is mounted on the support frame, for sensing a position of the light masking plate relative to the support frame.

Abstract: The invention provides a fluoride-free continuous casting mold flux for low-carbon steel, comprising, based on weight, Na2O 5-10%, MgO 3-10%, MnO 3-10%, B2O3 3-10%, Al2O3?6%, Li2O<3%, C 1-3%, and the balance of CaO and SiO2 as well as inevitable impurities, wherein the ratio of CaO/SiO2 is 0.8˜1.3. The mold flux has a melting point of 95˜1150° C., a viscosity at 1300° C. of 0.1-0.3 Pa·s, and a crystallization rate of 10-50% as determined according to the method described in the specification for examining crystallization property. The boron-containing, fluoride-free flux developed according to the invention has a moderate crystallization rate, can be used in a crystallizer to control transfer of heat from molten steel effectively, and has been applied successfully in a low-carbon steel slab conticaster with a metallurgical effect that arrives at the level of a traditional fluoride-containing flux to full extent.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a new type of grain refiners for steel, in the form of a particulate composite material, containing a high volume fraction of tailor-made dispersed particles, with the purpose of acting as potent heterogeneous nucleation sites for iron crystals during solidification and subsequent thermo-mechanical treatment of the steel.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a new type of grain refiners for steel, in the form of a particulate composite material, containing a high volume fraction of tailor-made dispersed particles, with the purpose of acting as potent heterogeneous nucleation sites for iron crystals during solidification and subsequent thermo-mechanical treatment of the steel.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of continuous casting for producing a slab excellent in surface quality by preventing formation of depressions and occurrence of cracking of a slab even in the case of producing a high Al steel having an Al content of 0.1% or more by continuous casting. At the time of continuous casting of a high-Al molten steel containing prescribed chemical components by using a mold powder, a powder containing T—CaO: 35 to 55%, SiO2: 10 to 30%, Al2O3: 4.0% or less (excluding 0%), MgO: 0.2 to 1.0%, Li2O: 7 to 13%, F: 7 to 13%, C: 10.5 to 14%, and inevitable impurities and satisfying 1.6?[T—CaO]/[SiO2]?5 and 0.2?[Li2O]/[SiO2]?1.1 is used as the mold powder, and operation is carried out while controlling the conditions such as the molten steel surface level fluctuation speed in the mold; the pouring angle of the molten steel in the width direction of the mold; the stroke in the amplitude; and the negative strip time tN defined by a prescribed relational expression.

Abstract: Mold flux for continuously casting steel which contains SiO2, T.CaO, Al2O3 and MgO as main components, one or two or more of alkali metal oxides, and further the constituent F, while the ratio of the T.CaO content to the SiO2 content being from 0.7 to 2.0, the Al2O3 content being 35% or less, the MgO content being 20% or less, the total content of alkali metal oxides being 8% or less, the F content being 7% or less, characterized in that each of the contents expressed by formulae (b) to (e) below satisfies the formula (a): 0.63+2.51×YAl2O3?YCaO/YSiO2?1.23+2.51×YAl2O3 . . . (a), YSiO2=XSiO2/(XSiO2+XCaO+XAl2O3+XMgO) . . . (b), YCaO=XCaO/(XSiO2+XCaO+XAl2O3+XMgO) . . . (c), YAl2O3=XAl2O3/(XSiO2+XCaO+XAl2O3+XMgO) . . . (d), and YMgO=XMgO/(XSiO2+XCaO+XAl2O3+XMgO) . . . (e). Continuous casting of a round billet using this mold flux can effectively prevent the generation of pin-hole defects and longitudinal cracking.

Abstract: A method of making a treating wash includes mixing brass granules with acetone, mixing carbon nanotube material, iron pyrite granules and copper granules in the acetone brass mixture, and straining the liquid from the remaining solid material. Methods of treating materials such as brass granules, iron pyrite granules, carbon nanotube material, and brass granules comprises washing the materials in the treating wash, followed by straining and drying the materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating molten metal that is contained in a metallurgical vessel, according to which a fine-grained blanket material containing silicon oxide and aluminium oxide is spread over the surface of the molten metal. The aim of the invention is to prevent the formation of dust and to facilitate the distribution of the blanket material over the surface of the molten metal. To achieve this, the blanket material consists of a synthetic zeolite material, which contains essentially equal fractions of silicon oxide and aluminium oxide. Said blanket material comprises a close grain-size distribution, in such a way that less than 20% of the grains have a diameter of less than 30 ?m or greater than 125 ?m. According to an additional embodiment of the invention, a vegetable ash, in particular a rice chaff ash, can be added to the blanket material.

Abstract: A formed article for making alloying additions to metal melts includes particles of at least one master alloy and a binder material binding the particles of the master alloy in the formed article. The binder material changes form and frees the master alloy particles when the formed article is heated to a predetermined temperature, preferably a temperature greater than 500° F. A method for making an alloy also is provided. The method includes preparing a melt comprising a predetermined quantity of a master alloy wherein the master alloy is added to the melt or the melt starting materials in the form of particles of the master alloy bound into at least one formed article by a binder material that decomposes at a predetermined temperature, preferably a temperature greater than 500° F., and releases the particles of master alloy.

Abstract: A powder product for the protection of centrifugal casting molds for cast iron pipes includes an inoculating metal alloy and possibly mineral powders, and a strongly reducing metal that is volatile at the temperature of the liquid cast iron. The use of products according to the invention prevents accumulation of dirt on molds and improves the surface condition of the cast iron pipes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a covering agent for a top slag of a metallic melt bath in a metallurgical vessel, in particular used in the steel industry, containing a material which melts on the melt bath and performs metallurgical work, wherein the material substantially comprises granules which have been rendered porous and the porosity of which is such that, at the melt bath temperature, a molten layer of liquid slag is formed on the melt bath, and a thermal barrier layer of the granules is formed above the molten layer of liquid slag. In addition, the invention relates to a process for producing the covering agent and to its use.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a new type of grain refiners for steel, in the form of a particulate composite material, containing a high volume fraction of tailor-made dispersed particles, with the purpose of acting as potent heterogeneous nucleation sites for iron crystals during solidification and subsequent thermo-mechanical treatment of the steel.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inoculant mixture for the treatment of molten cast iron, comprising 5 to 75% by weight of a ferro-silicon alloy of type A where Si/Fe>2, containing 0.005 to 3% by weight of rare earths, 0.005 to 3% bismuth, lead and/or antimony and less than 3% calcium, with a ratio (Bi+Pb+Sb)/TR of between 0.9 and 2.2 and 25 to 95% of at least one alloy of type B, based on silicon or ferro-silicon such that Si/Fe>2, containing calcium to a level such that the total amount of calcium in the mixture is from 0.3 to 3%. The above mixtures have a good granulometric stability over time and provide an efficient inoculation of cast pieces, in particular of thin pieces.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to be able to produce directly cast GGV and GGG melts in a single-stage process, simultaneously determine the physical and mechanical parameters such as the strength index and the pipe index by means of a thermal analysis and a mathematical evaluation model, continuously compare the process data to the target data with the aid of the process control computer, optimally determine the amounts to be added, and introduce the determined amount into the melt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for grain refining of steel. A grain refining alloy having a composition FeXY where X is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Cr, Mn, Si, Ni, and Mo and where Y is one or more oxide and/or sulphide and or nitride and/or carbide forming elements selected from the group consisting of Ce, La, Nd, Pr, Ti, Al, Zr, Ca, Ba, Sr, Mg, C and N where X is between 0.001 and 99% by weight based on the weight of the alloy and where Y is between 0.001 and 50% by weight of the alloy, said alloy additionally containing between 0.001 and 2% by weight of oxygen and/or between 0.001 and 2% by weight of sulphur, said alloy containing at least 103 inclusion particles per mm3 consisting of oxides and/or sulphides and/or carbides and/or nitrides of one or more of the Y elements and/or one or more of the X elements Cr, Mn and Si in addition to Fe, said inclusion particles having a mean diameter of less than 10 ?m, is added to molten steel in an amount of between 0.

Abstract: An additive for increasing the toughness of thin-wall iron castings is provided. The additive includes amounts of a non-ferrous metal oxide and a metal sulfide in which the non-ferrous metal has an affinity for oxygen less than that of iron, and the metal has an affinity for sulfur less than that of magnesium. The metals contained in the oxides and sulfides are also not alkali, alkali earth or rare earth metals to reduce the incidence of defect formation in the castings. The metal oxide and metal sulfide, when added to a cast iron melt react with magnesium added to the melt as a spheroidizing graphite element to form nucleation sites having a core of magnesium oxide surrounded by magnesium sulfide. These nucleation sites allow for increased nucleation of graphite, whether in vermicular or spheroidal form, such that the cross-section of the thin-wall iron casting is more uniform, thereby decreasing the amount of carbide formed in the casting and increasing the toughness of the casting.

Abstract: An exothermal feeder mass is described, containing aluminum and magnesium, at least one oxidizing agent, a SiO2-containing filler, and an alkali silicate as the binder; it is characterized in that it contains roughly 2.5 to 20% by weight of a reactive aluminum oxide with a specific surface of at least roughly 0.5 m2/g and an average particle diameter (d50) from roughly 0.5 to 8 microns and is essentially free of fluoride-containing fluxes.

Abstract: A method for inoculating molten iron. The method comprises passing the molten iron through a filter assembly at an approach velocity of about 1 to about 60 cm/sec. The filter assembly comprises a filter element and an inoculation pellet in contact with the filter element. The pellet has an inoculant dissolution rate of at least 1 mg/sec. to no more than 320 mg/sec. and comprises about 40-99.9%, by weight, carrier comprising ferrosilicon. The pellet further comprises about 0.1-60%, by weight, at least one inoculating agent selected from a group consisting of cerium, strontium, zirconium, calcium, manganese, barium, bismuth, magnesium, titanium and aluminum or from rare earths.

Abstract: A method for inoculating molten iron. The method comprises passing the molten iron through a filter assembly at an approach velocity of about 1 to about 60 cm/sec. The filter assembly comprises a filter element and an inoculation pellet in contact with the filter element. The pellet has an inoculant dissolution rate of at least 1 mg/sec. to no more than 320 mg/sec. and comprises about 40-99.9%, by weight, carrier comprising ferrosilicon. The pellet further comprises about 0.1-60%, by weight, at least one inoculating agent selected from a group consisting of cerium, strontium, zirconium, calcium, manganese, barium, bismuth, magnesium, titanium and aluminum or from rare earths.

Abstract: A process for continuously casting steel wherein liquid steel is teemed from a ladle through a shroud into the pour box section of a tundish and poured from the tundish through one or more outlets remote from the pour box, and wherein the surface of the steel in the tundish is covered with a first flux in the area of the pour box and with a second flux in the remaining areas of the tundish. The flux used in the pour box area has a higher melting temperature than the flux used in the remaining areas. Preferably all fluxes used are basic fluxes containing CaO and Al2O3.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a mold powder for continuous casting of steel whose fluorine content is small, and which enables stable casting, for reducing the corrosion of continuous casting equipment and decreasing the concentration of fluorine in the waste water, well as a method for continuous casting of steel using mold powder. The mold powder for continuous casting of steel of the present invention is characterized by having a chemical composition including 25 to 70 wt % of SiO2, 10 to 50 wt % of CaO, not more than 20 wt % of MgO, and 0 to 2 wt % of F as an unavoidable impurity, where the viscosity of the molten mold powder is not less than 4 poise at 1,300° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for feeding solids into metal or steel melts whereby granular solids required during the analysis adjustment are fed in a predetermined quantity into the turbulent regions of the metal melt in a dense flow process by means of a pneumatic conveying device in order to achieve a high output while avoiding expensive and complex measures associated with lances and capital-intensive investments for injection devices and lance-moving devices.

Abstract: Powder product for the protection of molds for centrifugal casting of cast iron tubes, and a method for its production. The powder contains a mixture of a silicon-based inoculating agent and a mineral powder, the silicon-based inoculating product comprising waste masses from synthesis of alkyl- or aryl- halosilanes, from which tin and optionally copper has been removed. The mineral powder may contain at least one material selected from the group consisting of carbon and a fluoride.

Abstract: A method of making a powder for covering an ingot mold for the continuous casting of steel, in particular steels with ultra-low carbon content. The powder comprises a base powder and particles of at least one metal nitride, its free carbon content being between 0 and 1% by weight, the method comprising forming a slip of raw materials for the basis powder, at least one metal nitride and water and atomizing the slip to form a mist and drying the mist to form granules having diameters lying between 20 &mgr;m and 800 &mgr;m.

Abstract: The invention provides a new and improved process and exothermic reaction mixture for producing molten weld metal. The molten weld metal is used in joining one metallic piece with at least one other metallic piece. The process and exothermic reaction mixture have distinct advantages over the prior art. These advantages include a higher filler metal yield, an increased tensile strength, and a higher quality corrosion resistant weld. These advantages are accomplished by a process wherein a reactant mixture is provided which has a reducing agent, a metallic compound, and at least two filler metals that at least in part do not chemically react with the metallic compound, one of which is aluminum. The metallic compound subsequently forms, with the reducing agent, having a high heat of formation which provides an exothermic reaction with sufficient heat to melt the filler metals.

Abstract: A mold powder characterized in that, a weight ratio of CaO to SiO2 in the mold powder is within a range of 0.50 to 1.20, the mold powder contains one or two or more species selected from a group consisting of oxides, carbonates, or fluorides of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, or other metals, and 0.5 to 5 percent by weight of carbon powder, Li2O content is within a range of 1 to 7 percent by weight, F content is within a range of 0.5 to 8.0 percent by weight, crystallization temperature is within a range of 1000 to 1200° C., surface tension at 1300° C. is 250 dyne/cm or more, and a relationship between viscosity &eegr; (poise) at 1300° C. and casting speed V (m/min) satisfies a range represented by an expression 6.0≦&eegr;V≦100.0. By the present invention, there is provided a mold powder which enables stable casting by reducing the likelihood of powder entrapment into the mold without giving rise to surface crack when casting with a thin-slab continuous caster.

Abstract: A new technique for producing ferrosilicon free inoculating agents for gray and ductile irons utilizing oxy-sulfide forming elements combined with sulfur and oxygen and 1) mechanically pressed into an insert or tablet for placement into foundry sand molds or 2) a mixture of the same ingredients used as a loose or granular addition to molten iron. The inoculating agent is composed of 15 to 49% silicon, 7 to 22% calcium, 2.5 to 10% sulfur, 2 to 4% oxygen, 2.5 to 7.5% magnesium and 0.5 to 5% aluminum with the balance iron and incidental impurities, wherein the iron is the primary densification agent.

Abstract: A method for refining molten Al alloy and a non-halogen based flux for refining molten Al alloy which make it possible to perform refining such as removal of gas and inclusions at a high reduction level, and are free from a problem that the flux remains in the molten Al alloy, wherein a refining flux is injected into molten Al alloy obtained by melting an Al raw material to refine the melt, thereafter, the resultant is supplied to a mold, so as to cast the Al alloy. At this time, alum is used as the refining flux.

Abstract: A glass composition which is lithium-free and which is suitable as a metallurgical mold powder includes, based on total weight of the glass composition: Oxide wt % Na2O  0.2-14.4 K2O 0.0-2.5 CaO 31.0-41.9 Al2O3 4.9-8.5 B2O3 0.00-1.9  SiO2 15.6-30.0 F 18.1-30.8 wherein the glass composition has a total content of Na2O+K2O+CaO which ranges from about 38.4 to about 52.6% so that the glass composition is lithium-free and suitable as a metallurgical mold powder.

Abstract: A mold powder for continuous steel casting, contains CaO, SiO.sub.2 and fluoride as the main components. The ratio by weight of CaO', represented by the following equation, to SiO.sub.2 is 0.9-2.8 and the CaF.sub.2 content is about 5-60 wt. %. The powder contains Na.sub.2 O in an amount of 0-25 wt. % and C in an amount of 0-10 wt. %.CaO'=T.CaO-F.times.(56/38)wherein T.CaO represents the total Ca content in the mold powder as converted to CaO(wt. %) and F represents the total F content in the mold powder(wt. %). The powder is used in a method for continuous steel casting.

Abstract: An additive for use in producing spheroidal graphite cast iron of the present invention contains a fine particle of magnesium oxide having a purity of 90 weight % or more and at least one selected from the group consisting of a graphite-spheroidizing material, an inoculant and a graphite-spheroidizing inoculant. The fine particle of highly pure magnesium oxide increases the number of nuclei in a melt, and as a result thereof, increases the graphite spheroid count of a spheroidal graphite cast iron being produced. Another additive for use in producing spheroidal graphite cast iron of the present invention contains at least one selected from the group consisting of a graphite-spheroidizing material, an inoculant and a graphite-spheroidizing inoculant, and an oxide of a metal which has, at a temperature of a melt at a time when subjected to a graphite-spheroidizing treatment, an affinity for oxygen smaller than that of a graphite-spheroidizing element being used in the graphite-spheroidizing treatment.

Abstract: A method of protecting copper and copper alloys from surface oxidation on an upper melted surface while melting copper and/or copper alloys, such as bronze, using a granular carbon sand layer thereover, such as the carbon sands disclosed in this assignee's U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,215,143 and/or 5,094,289.

Abstract: A powder for covering an ingot mold for the continuous casting of steel, in particular steels with ultra-low carbon content. The powder comprises a base powder and particles of at least one metal nitride, its free carbon content (%C.sub.free) being between 0 and 1% by weight, it being produced by atomization, and having the form of granules of between 20 and 800 .mu.m in diameter. In one application of the invention, the nitride is silicon nitride, and its weight content (%Si.sub.3 N.sub.4) is equal to: %Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 =0.5-0.28.times.%C.sub.free .+-.0.10.

Abstract: The invention relates to a casting flux for steels or alloys on an iron, nickel or cobalt basis which make heavy demands on the degree of oxidic purity for continuous or ingot casting and contain as the main components calcium oxide (CaO), aluminium oxide (Al.sub.2 O.sub.3) and strontium oxide (SrO), the characterizing feature of the invention being that the chemical composition lies within the following limits (in % by weight):20 to 40% CaO,15 to 30% SrO,0 to 6% Mgo,0 to 8% MgF.sub.2,0 to 8% CaF.sub.2,0 to 8% NaF0 to 6% LiFresidue Al.sub.2 O.sub.3,the flux having a total content not exceeding 15% of oxygen-yielding compounds, such as SiO.sub.2, FeO, MnO, K.sub.2 O, Na.sub.2 O, P.sub.2 O.sub.5, Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3 and B.sub.2 O.sub.3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for grain refining of aluminium and aluminium alloys wherein a siliconboron alloy containing between 0.01 to 4.0 % by weight of boron is added to molten aluminium or aluminium alloy in such an amount that the resulting melt of aluminium or aluminium alloy contains at least 50 ppm boron. The invention further relates to a grain refining alloy for aluminium and aluminium alloys which grain refining alloy is a siliconboron alloy containing between 0.01 and 4.0 % by weight of boron.

Abstract: A mold flux for the continuous casting of steel (including ultra low carbon steel) comprises refractory metal oxide, at least one fluxing agent, a binder, and expandable graphite in the amount of 0.3-1.0% by weight, the expandable graphite having a size less than about 80 mesh, and the flux in the form of spherical granules 200-500 microns in diameter. The binder typically comprises between about 8-14% weight soda ash, or between about 4-7% by weight lithium carbonate, or a combination of soda ash and lithium carbonate wherein double the percentage of lithium carbonate plus the percentage of soda ash is between about 8-14%. The flux may additionally include--especially where ultra low carbon steel is being continuously cast--starch and MnO.sub.2 to reduce slag rim, improve thermal insulation, and reduce carbon pickup.

Abstract: A granular mould flux for use in the continuous casting of steel comprises refractory metal oxide, one or more fluxing agents, a binder and 0.1% to 3% by weight based on the weight of the flux of an expanding agent such as expandable perlite, expandable vermiculite or expandable graphite.

Abstract: A flux composition for use in covering liquid metal includes a non-liquid composition that reacts at the temperature of the liquid metal to form a viscous liquid flux layer in contact with the liquid metal while maintaining a non-liquid layer above the liquid layer.

Abstract: A mold powder for use in continuous casting, containing specified amounts of CaO, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, TiO.sub.2, Li.sub.2 O, BaO, MgO, F and Na.sub.2 O, and further containing at least one of BN and C as aggregate. The mold powder, when used in continuous casting of a steel rich in strong reducing metal elements such as Al, Ti, REM and so forth, remarkably suppresses generation of deterioration in the surface quality of the slab and break out of the slab which are attributable inferior lubrication.

Abstract: A pulverulent insulating and purifying covering (3) for the surface of liquid metal (2) contained in a metallurgical receptacle (1), comprises a layer (4) which includes at least one metallic oxide of basic character, capable of reacting with oxide inclusions contained in the liquid metal. This layer (4) covers a first layer (5) in direct contact with the liquid metal and including also at least one such metallic oxide and additionally a flux (6) in a quantity sufficient to render fluid this first layer (5) under the influence of the heat of the liquid metal (2). The metallic oxide is selected from the group consisting of lime, magnesia, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, calcium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, dolomite and a mixture thereof. Each layer (4, 5) includes a mixture of lime and magnesia. The first layer (5) in contact with the liquid metal (2) includes a substantial amount up to 30% by weight of flux, while layer (4) which covers the first layer (5) is substantially free from flux.

Abstract: Containers formed of consumable materials of compatible chemistry with the remelting of molten metal are disclosed, the individual containers being capable of retaining molten metal having impurities and the like therein until the same is solidified and recharged into the furnace along with the individual consumable container.

Abstract: An exothermic type mold additive for continuous casting comprising 20.about.90 wt % base raw materials, 0.about.10 wt % silicious raw materials containing more than 50 wt % SiO.sub.2 content, 0.about.20 wt % flux raw materials, 2.about.30 wt % of more than one kind selected from a group comprising carbonates, bicarbonates and nitrates of alkaline metals as exothermic materials, and 3.about.30 wt % of more than one kind of component selected from a group comprising carbon, silicon and silicon alloys as reducing materials. Oxidation exothermic speed is controlled by controlling the kind and amounts of reducing materials, and casting with few carburization, inclusions, pin-holes, etc. can be obtained.

Abstract: Recontaminating cast iron by contacting it with a molten flux consisting essentially of silicon dioxide and calcium fluoride.

Abstract: A metallurgical flux is provided as bonded particulates in granular or briquette form, which contains fluxing ingredients, binder and an expanding agent whereby action of heat in contact with molten metal causes expansion of the expanding agent to break down the bonded particulates into particulate form.

Abstract: A mold additive suitable for use in a mold for continuous casting of steel which comprises, as its base material, at least 50% by weight of synthetic calcium silicate which contains CaO and SiO.sub.2 in a total amount not less than 70% by weight, and whose CaO/SiO.sub.2 ratio is not lower than 1.20. A mold additive of low bulk density and superior in heat insulation can be obtained and its CaO/SiO.sub.2 ratio can be widely adjusted.

Abstract: A method is provided for obtaining steel with lowered hydrogen levels after ladle treatment. The method includes covering molten steel in the ladle with a particulate mixture consisting essentially of calcium aluminate and dolomitic limestone. The mixture is used in amounts of about 5 to 25 pounds per net ton of molten steel. Using the method of this invention, some steels to be cast without vacuum degassing to reduce the hydrogen level.

Abstract: Hexafluorophosphates may be used as structure refiner during solidification of molten aluminium-silicon alloys. The structure refining effect is obtained almost immediately after addition of the hexafluorophosphate to the molten alloy. The hexafluorophosphates are preferably used in the form of a master composition wherein as diluents metals are used, especially copper.

Abstract: A metallurgical flux composition comprising calcium oxide, alumina, magnesium oxide and silica contains 22-35% by weight magnesium oxide and has a weight ratio of calcium oxide to magnesium oxide of from 0.6:1 to 2.5:1. The preferred composition contains 28-42% by weight calcium oxide, 13-21% by weight alumina, 22-35% by weight magnesium oxide and 3-8% by weight silica, preferably has a calcium oxide to magnesium oxide weight ratio of from 0.8:1 to 1.9:1 and preferably has a calcium oxide to silica weight ratio of from 6.0:1 to 7.5:1. The flux composition is particularly useful as a tundish cover in the continuous casting of steel.

Abstract: A composite material comprises a body, e.g., a slab, of a fused refractory oxycompound (3) having a multiplicity of discrete inclusions such as lumps (1) of an aluminum-wettable RHM in its surface. These bodies are especially useful as aluminum-wettable but non-current carrying components of aluminum reduction cells.