ASSESSMENT OF MICROSTRUCTURE AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF THE SLAG LADLE AFTER EXPLOITATION

The results of tests and examinations of the microstructure and mechanical properties of cast steel used for large-size slag ladles are presented. Castings of this type (especially large-size ladles with a capacity of up to 16 m(3)) operate under very demanding conditions resulting from the repeated cycles of filling and emptying the ladle with liquid slag at a temperature exceeding even 1600 degrees C. The changes in operating temperature cause faster degradation and wear of slag ladle castings, mainly due to thermal fatigue. The tests carried out on samples taken from different parts/areas of the ladle (flange, bottom and half-height) showed significant differences in the microstructure of the flange and bottom part as compared to the microstructure obtained at half-height of the ladle wall. The flange and bottom were characterized by a ferritic-pearlitic microstructure, while the microstructure at the ladle half-height consisted of a ferritic matrix, cementite and graphite precipitates. Changes in microstructure affected the mechanical properties. Based on the test results it was found that both the flange and the bottom of the ladle had higher mechanical properties, i.e. UTS, YS, hardness, and impact energy than the centre of the ladle wall. Fractography showed the mixed character of fractures with the predominance of brittle fracture. Microporosity and clusters of non-metallic inclusions were also found in the fractures of samples characterized by low properties.