The most up-to-date trends in stainless steel production-aiming at the reduction of production costs-consist of the substitution of steel scrap by hot metal, coming from the reduction of ironchromium ores. This process requires a more extensive dephosphorization. The dephosphorization process, when applied to chromium steels, requires slag with high dephosphorization properties, as either chromium or chromium oxide entering the slag decreases distinctly the efficiency of the process. The results of laboratory investigations on the dephosphorization of liquid iron solutions containing chromium and nickel are presented. In particular, the study was focused on the selection of the optimal slag composition and the way the slag should be added. The slags based on calcium and fluorite with cryolite additions were considered. It was shown that the variables with the greatest impact on the dephosphorization process include chromium and nickel levels, temperature, and slag basicity. A statistical analysis was performed and regression equations were set. The results may be of use for the design of new methods of production of high-chromium steels.

The authors present their own model applicable for effective desulphurization of steel by ladle treatment. The model is based on a thermodynamic approach (equilibrium data) and technological data (correction factors). It consists of two parts. In the first part the authors present the formulae derived for estimation of the additions of deoxidation agents which ensure sufficiently low oxygen level prior to the desulphurization process, while the other part gives a qualitative and quantitative selection of slag formers to achieve low final levels of sulphur in steel. For the deoxidation process two variants were considered: (i) with Al only (for low silicon steels) or (ii) Al‐Si (for silicon steels) as deoxidizers. For the desulphurization process three variants were assumed as to ladle slag composition: (i) slag consisting of a fraction of furnace slag, lime addition and deoxidation products, (ii) slag made of synthetic CaO–Al2O3 and (iii) slag based on lime and fluorspar. The model formulae for desulphurization were derived using the sulphide capacity concept which relies on the optical basicity. In addition, rough estimates of the slag liquidus temperatures are given. A numeric example of the model application and the model algorithm (appendix) are enclosed.