Effects of residual elements during the casting process of steel production: a critical review

Abstract

There is a growing drive within the steel industry to increase scrap usage in the Blast Furnace (BF)-Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) integrated route and extend the scrap-based Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) route for steel production due to the resultant reduced energy costs and CO2 emissions and the abundant steel scrap supply in the UK. In general, steel scrap may contain high levels of undesirable residual elements, which may have pronounced effects on the casting process of steel production. This article critically reviews current metallurgical understanding about the behaviour of various residual elements, individually and synergistically at high (>1200°C) and low (<1200°C) temperatures during the casting process, with a focus on local enrichment and cracking caused by the residual elements. This review article aims to help the steel community to increase the utilisation of steel scrap for steel production by identifying the current constraints and opportunities.