First Results of the RH-OB Process at Hoogovens Ijmuiden.

In October 1984 Hoogovens Ijmuiden commissioned the first RH-OB reactor in Europe. Mid-1985 the production rate was 1. 5 Mt/year. One of the main objectives for installing an RH-OB installation is the possibility to produce (stabilized) ultra low carbon steels, used for extreme deep drawing and galvanizing applications. Under standard conditions the carbon level less than 20 ppm can be reached within 20 minutes. The RH-OB is also used for trimming of constructional steels. For special steel grades a conventional treatment can be given, resulting in a low hydrogen and inclusion level. The pressure in the vessel is then lowered to 1 mbar.