Abstract:
Steel ladle is steelmaking process pillar, it participates in all steps of secondary refining, from BOF/EAF liquid steel receiving to casting it into the tundish. For this reason, the refractory lining, mainly precast bottom, underwent a various development to withstand the severe operating conditions, due to the strictest quality requirements, such as: chemical reactions, temperature changes during the process, oxygen blowing and vacuum conditions. In order to meet operational requirements, Vesuvius has directed efforts towards the development of high-performance lining associated with technological solutions, which combine a high installation rate, low cost, operational safety and good ergonomic conditions for employees. Additionally, extending bottom life for more than one campaign, uses carbon-free castable and reduction of metal loss due design enabled significant gains in relation to sustainability. In this context, results of laboratory and industrial tests are presented and discussed, as well as the precast bottom benefits for steel ladle as a replacement for the standard brick lining.