Stainless Steel

A Look at Stainless Steelmaking

Stainless steelmaking modifies the properties of the steel from basic oxygen furnace (BOF) or electric arc furnace (EAF) processes to form a highly corrosion resistant steel. Stainless steel is an alloy of iron, containing chromium and, usually, nickel.

Chromium chemistry is essential for the production of stainless steel and losing it in the process can have a negative impact on the quality of the end product. The addition of lime and fluorspar improves the reduction process of Cr2O3 and keeps the slag fluid. Controlling oxygen and sulfur within the metal bath is also critical to achieving a quality stainless steel. The right product mix can also help extend refractory life.

Our Role in Stainless Steelmaking

What We Do

Carmeuse supports stainless steelmakers from End-2-End.

Carmeuse is a global leader and expert in providing lime products and lime handling system solutions for stainless steel production. High calcium lime and dolomitic lime are used in several steps throughout the steelmaking process, helping to remove impurities in the steel, form slag, and extend refractory life.

The quality of lime in making stainless steel is very critical. Carmeuse can help your stainless steel operations run more smoothly by allowing for recovery of oxidized chromium, removing sulfur contaminants, and protecting your slag and refractory performance with our lime products.

How it Helps

Removing Impurities - High calcium quicklime is used as a fluxing agent to aid in efficient and effective slag formation to remove impurities like sulfur, phosphorus, and silica.
Maintaining Slag Viscosity – High calcium quicklime helps maintain the viscosity of the slag to increase heat yield. Proper formation of slag layer protects the refractory from arc damage, concentrates and transfers heat to the liquid steel, and traps inclusions and metal oxides.
Extending Refractory Life - Magnesium content in dolomitic quicklime prevents melt-throughs in the refractory and helps extend refractory life.

Lime Handling Systems for Stainless Steelmaking

An evaluation of your lime handling equipment is essential in ensuring lime is transferred from silo to furnace in the most effective and reliable way, as over time this will be impacted through normal wear and tear. From offloading and flow promotion to pneumatic conveying and lime injection, Carmeuse is committed to providing quality equipment solutions to stainless steelmakers to help optimize your operations.

Carmeuse supplies our advanced equipment solutions for lime storage, handling, and lime injection through our wholly owned subsidiary, Storage & Transfer Technologies (STT). Our expert engineers can design the right solution to keep your steelmaking operation running smoothly, from new lime handling or injection systems, to retrofits and upgrades for your existing equipment. Experienced technicians are also available for onsite diagnosis of current problem areas, recommendations for potential solutions, and help with system implementation and startup. For additional information related to our lime handling and lime injection expertise, visit the STT website.

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