Process for the production of iron or/and steel

摘要

In the production of iron or steel a cast iron or an iron steel mixture having a carbon content exceeding 2 per cent is sulphurised by adding sufficient sulphur to bring its sulphur content to between 7 and 10 per cent of its initial carbon content, and then casting the product, the casting being then decarburised by passing a continuous current of carbon dioxide over the casting heated to 800-100 DEG C. The decarburised metal is then desulphurised by heating to 750-1000 DEG C. and quenching. After quenching the metal may be re-heated to about 600 DEG C. The sulphurisation is carried out in a cupola furnace by charging the initial metal in batches into the furnace, each batch being separated by a charge of coke containing about 1 per cent of sulphur. The process may be used for the production of steel from a mixture of mild steel swarf and foundry scrap, for the conversion of white heat malleable castings into steel or for the manufacture of black heart malleable castings.