Vacuum Oxygen Decarburization

The vacuum oxygen decarburization (VOD) process is used to lower the carbon content in a stainless steel without compromising on the Cr yield. 

In this example, based on data of a real vacuum oxygen decarburization (VOD) process published by Ding et al. (2000), we show how to set up the VOD process in Thermo-Calc’s Process Metallurgy Module. Use of the following features in the Process Metallurgy Module are highlighted in this example:

• Change of pressure as a function of time during the process
• Change of reaction kinetics as a function of time during the process
• Selection of zone where degassing is allowed

The kinetic simulation excellently reproduces the temperature, the steel chemistry, and the slag chemistry as a function of time. The example can easily be modified and adapted for different chemistries and process parameters.