TiN Particles and Clusters During Ladle Treatments of Ni-based Alloy 825 Using Different Stirring Modes

Today, titanium is often used in steelmaking not only for deoxidation but also for micro-alloying and alloying for a wide range of steel grades. Therefore, many studies are focused on investigations on the formation and behavior of Ti-containing non-metallic inclusions (such as oxides, nitrides and carbides) during production of different Ti-containing steels and their effect on final steel properties. This study has examined the behavior of TiN clusters and particles in the melt during the ladle treatment of Alloy 825 containing up to 1.2 wt% of Ti. The industrial trials were performed at the end of the ladle treatment by using argon gas in combination with electromagnetic stirring using an upwards or a downwards stirring direction. Metal samples were taken before and after ladle treatment to enable three-dimensional investigations of non-metallic inclusions and clusters. The composition, size and number of particles and clusters were determined after electrolytic extraction of the metal samples by using SEM in combination with EDS. It was found that agglomerations of TiN clusters and particles in the melt are faster during an upwards stirring in comparison to a downwards stirring. However, the removal of clusters from the melt is more effective when using a downwards stirring direction compared to when using an upwards stirring in combination with gas stirring. It was also found that the Turbulent collision is the dominant factor for the agglomeration of TiN particles in the melt.