RECENT TRENDS AND THE FUTURE OF VACUUM IN STEEL MAKING

Recent trends in modern steel making technologies, practically all equipped with vacuum systems, and the future of vacuum technologies are discussed. In the society of the future, steel demand will undoubtedly remain undiminished world-wide because steel nevertheless still has unlimited potential for quality improvements. This is why advanced technologies based on vacuum applications are being pursued to minimise impurities, inclusions and segregation in search of ultra high-quality steels. The concept of modern steel making is via a primary melting unit (E-arc furnace or converter-for mass and low alloyed steels) and ladle refining technologies. When secondary refining processes based on vacuum technologies (e.g. RH degassing, VOD, VAD process) are added to the production route, high purity and excellent cleanliness can be obtained. The trend in vacuum steel products will be towards fine high-grade steel and steel with new properties as well as wide range of other special steel grades. Modern vacuum technologies will be presented with the prediction of the expected development in vacuum processes to fulfil the described market demands.