Characterization of calcium aluminate flux containing MgO for steel refining

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Steelmaking operations use a variety of fluxes to treat liquid iron and steel for achieving the product specifications. Traditionally, calcium fluoride has been used in such fluxes. However, due to its detrimental environmental effect, substitute materials are being more commonly used. An effective flux in treating steel is calcium aluminate. This flux is usually produced from earth minerals and is imported to North America from Asia. SCEPTER Inc. is working with METKEM Innovation Inc. to develop a similar or superior flux, using not earth minerals, but rather waste and by-products from the aluminum industry. To evaluate the melting properties of this flux, and investigate the effect of some additions for improving its performance, the present collaborative research has been proposed. The long term outcomes of the research, if successfully implemented will be (a) reducing the environmental impact of steel treatment by eliminating calcium fluoride, (b) reducing the environmental footprint of aluminum production, by using its waste materials, and (c) establishing production facilities in Canada, that could result in job and wealth creation.