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One of the main problems
of in-ladle metallurgy is to introduce into the liquid
steel, with high reproducible recovery, many elements
which are either light, reactive, or easily oxidized.
Calcium, for example, has a low density and tends
to float in the steel and is readily oxidized.
It has a very low solubility in steel and is gaseous
when it comes into contact with the metal at ambient
pressure.
However, adding these elements deep
in the ladle minimizes oxidation by air and slag,
increases the time and surface area of contact with the liquid
steel and therefore delays vaporization and, ultimately,
increases efficiency.
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