Sekundärmetallurgie

Sekundärmetallurgie refers to the secondary refining of metals, typically steel, after their initial production in primary melting furnaces. This process involves further treatment of molten metal to achieve specific chemical compositions, remove impurities, and improve its physical properties. Common secondary metallurgy techniques include vacuum degassing, where dissolved gases like hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen are removed under reduced pressure, preventing defects such as embrittlement or porosity. Ladle metallurgy encompasses a range of processes carried out in the ladle, such as desulfurization, dephosphorization, and alloy additions, to precisely control the final chemistry. Stirring, often achieved through electromagnetic induction or gas injection, promotes homogeneity and facilitates heat transfer and chemical reactions. Temperature control is also critical, with reheating furnaces or exothermic additions used to maintain the optimal molten metal temperature for subsequent casting or further processing. The goal of Sekundärmetallurgie is to produce high-quality steels and alloys tailored for demanding applications, improving their strength, toughness, ductility, and corrosion resistance. This secondary refining is essential for producing advanced materials used in industries like automotive, aerospace, and construction.