Description
VD/VOD Vacuum Refining Furnace
Ultra-Clean Steel Production by HANI Metallurgy
The Pinnacle of Vacuum Metallurgy Technology
The VD/VOD Vacuum Refining Furnace is the definitive equipment for producing high-purity, ultra-clean steel grades required for demanding applications in the aerospace, automotive, and nuclear industries. As a specialized VD Vacuum Degasser and VOD furnace, it employs vacuum technology to remove dissolved gases (hydrogen, nitrogen), carbon, and sulfur from molten steel. At HANI, we have developed advanced vacuum refining systems that combine deep vacuum capabilities with high-intensity argon stirring and oxygen blowing. Our steel treatment solutions are designed for maximum productivity and consistency, ensuring that your steel products meet the highest international purity standards.
A HANI VD/VOD Vacuum Refining Furnace integrates a vacuum tank or car-type tank, a vacuum lid with a water-cooling system, and a multi-stage steam ejector or mechanical pump system. The VOD furnace variant further includes an oxygen lance system for vacuum decarburization, making it ideal for the production of ultra-low carbon stainless steels. By utilizing our vacuum refining technology, producers can significantly improve steel toughness, ductility, and service life. As a global leader in steel treatment, HANI ensures that every VD/VOD Vacuum Refining Furnace provides a stable and efficient refining platform for batch sizes from 5 to 300 tons.
Metallurgical Functions of HANI VD/VOD Systems
| Functionality | Operational Mode | Technical Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Vacuum Degassing | VD / VOD | Removal of [H] ≤ 1.5ppm and [N] ≤ 50ppm. |
| Decarburization | VOD | Achieving ultra-low [C] ≤ 0.01% in stainless steel. |
| Desulfurization | VD / VOD | Deep [S] removal via basic slag reaction. |
| Alloying | VD / VOD | Vacuum alloy addition and micro-adjustment. |
Scientific Principles of Vacuum Refining
The performance of a VD/VOD Vacuum Refining Furnace is based on Sieverts’ Law and the principles of gas-liquid kinetics. In a VD Vacuum Degasser, the reduction of ambient pressure significantly increases the driving force for gas removal from the molten steel. HANI’s vacuum refining technology maximizes the gas-liquid interface area by utilizing high-flow bottom argon stirring, ensuring rapid and complete degassing in the steel treatment hearth.
Primary Gas Removal Reactions:
1. 2[H] → H2(g) (Hydrogen Removal)
2. 2[N] → N2(g) (Nitrogen Removal)
3. [C] + [O] → CO(g) (Vacuum Decarburization in VOD)
Scientific facts from HANI‘s metallurgical studies indicate that the decarburization reaction in a VOD furnace is significantly enhanced by the low partial pressure of CO gas. This allows for the production of ultra-low carbon alloys without oxidizing the expensive chromium. Our vacuum refining systems also facilitate deep desulfurization by maintaining a high-basicity slag and vigorous stirring in the steel treatment ladle, achieving the lowest inclusion levels in the final product.
Key Advantages of HANI Vacuum Refining Technology
- High Vacuum Efficiency: HANI’s VD Vacuum Degasser achieves a working vacuum of ≤67Pa, providing the most effective degassing environment for premium steel treatment.
- Robust Sealing Technology: Our VOD furnace uses a single-layer hollow sealing ring with intensive water cooling, ensuring zero leakage and long-term reliability in vacuum refining.
- Intelligent Control: Advanced automation systems in our VD/VOD Vacuum Refining Furnace monitor the vacuum curve and gas flow in real-time, allowing for precise steel treatment process control.
Professional FAQ for VD/VOD Systems
Q1: What is the main difference between a VD and a VOD furnace?
A: A VD Vacuum Degasser is primarily used for degassing and desulfurization. A VOD furnace adds an oxygen blowing system, enabling vacuum decarburization for stainless steel production in the vacuum refining process.
Q2: How does the HANI VD/VOD system handle hazardous dust?
A: Our vacuum refining systems are equipped with high-efficiency water-cooling gas ducts and dust collection plants, ensuring all particulates are captured during steel treatment.
Q3: Can HANI provide the vacuum pump system for the VD/VOD Vacuum Refining Furnace?
A: Yes. HANI provides full engineering and supply for both multi-stage steam ejector systems and dry mechanical vacuum pump systems for our vacuum refining units.
Optimize Your Clean Steel Production with HANI
The VD/VOD Vacuum Refining Furnace is a critical asset for producing high-value steel grades. Partner with HANI for a world-class vacuum refining solution that combines high purity with operational efficiency.
