Aluminum Shots / Notch Bar – Deoxidizer
Aluminum (Al) is one of the most vital and universally used deoxidizing agents in steelmaking, particularly for producing killed steel. It is typically supplied in forms like shots (small pellets) or notch bars (segmented ingots) for easy and rapid addition to the molten metal. Its function is to chemically remove dissolved oxygen (O) from the molten steel bath before casting, preventing defects and ensuring final product quality.
Main Function and Reaction
Aluminum’s effectiveness as a deoxidizer stems from its very strong affinity for oxygen, forming a highly stable, solid oxide.
| COMPONENT | CHEMICAL FORMULA | PROPERTY HIGHLIGHT |
| Aluminum | Al | Extremely high affinity for oxygen (∆Gf is highly negative). |
| Reaction Byproduct | Al2O3 (Alumina) | Stable, non-metallic inclusion that must be removed via slag. |
| CLASSIFICATION | MELTING POINT | PRIMARY APPLICATION FOCUS |
| Deoxidizer | ~660°C (1220 F) | Production of Killed Steel (fully deoxidized) and grain size control. |
Key Deoxidation Reaction
Aluminum reacts with dissolved oxygen in the steel to form aluminum oxide (alumina):
Key Performance Metrics
| PROPERTY | TYPICAL PERFORMANCE | MECHANISM OF ADVANTAGE |
| Deoxidation Power | EXTREME | Aluminum is the most potent and common deoxidizer, capable of reducing dissolved oxygen to extremely low levels. |
| Inclusion Form | SOLID | Al2O3 inclusions are solid at steelmaking temperatures, requiring careful management (e.g., synthetic slag) for removal. |
| Grain Refinement | GOOD | Contributes to the control of the final steel microstructure (e.g., creating fine-grained steel). |
The Purpose of Deoxidation
During steelmaking, iron and steel absorb a significant amount of oxygen. If this oxygen remains dissolved when the metal solidifies, it reacts with carbon (C) to form gas bubbles (CO), resulting in internal defects (blowholes) and surface defects in the final cast product.
- Killed Steel Production: By adding a precise amount of aluminum to the ladle, all the dissolved oxygen is chemically consumed, “killing” the boiling action and producing a structurally sound steel billet or casting. This is required for most high-quality and structural steel grades.
Form and Application Method
The form is chosen for safety, handling, and dissolution rate:
- Shots: Small pellets are used for rapid, precise, and automatic wire feeding into the molten stream, often during tapping or ladle refining. This method allows for excellent control of the final aluminum content.
- Notch Bars / Ingots: Larger, easy-to-handle pieces typically plunged into the molten metal in the ladle or added to the furnace bottom. They are often used for bulk deoxidation or to alloy the steel to a specific aluminum target.
Secondary Role: Microstructure Control
Beyond deoxidation, aluminum is essential for grain size control:
- Nitride Formation: Aluminum reacts with nitrogen (N) in the steel to form fine, dispersed Aluminum Nitride (AlN) particles. These AlN particles inhibit grain growth during subsequent heat treatments, ensuring a fine-grained microstructure that improves the steel’s toughness and strength.
Technical Guidance
- Inclusion Management: The Al2O3 inclusions formed must be effectively removed. This is usually accomplished using a fluid, basic synthetic slag (often CaO-Al2O3-based) in the ladle furnace that absorbs the fine Al2O3 particles as they float to the surface. Poor inclusion removal leads to casting defects and reduced fatigue life.
- Residue: The amount of residual aluminum added must be tightly controlled, as it can significantly affect the subsequent castability and the final alloy properties of the steel.
✨ Customization Services
We offer product customization services, allowing you to tailor the appearance, dimensions, or specific markings of items like refractory shapes or bricks. This includes options for incorporating specific geometric requirements to ensure seamless integration into your process systems.
🔬 Sampling for Testing & Validation
Free product samples are available for thorough testing and validation. This allows you to confirm the quality, compatibility, and performance of our materials—such as specific bricks, castables, or raw materials—before committing to a full order.
💡 Expertise in Refractory Solutions
Leverage our deep expertise to receive detailed, application-specific refractory solutions. We move beyond just selling products by providing comprehensive plans that encompass material selection, installation guidance, and performance optimization to maximize the lifespan and efficiency of your high-temperature processes.
Rabatec products are exclusively manufactured in facilities that have achieved rigorous ISO certifications across Quality (ISO 9001), Environmental Management, and Occupational Health & Safety. This commitment ensures every product, from refractory bricks to specialized equipment, meets the highest global benchmarks for performance, sustainability, and workplace safety.
📦 Logistics Excellence: Shipping, Packaging, and Marking
Minimizing Risk: We manage all logistics to minimize handling touchpoints and transit shock. Our carriers are pre-vetted for their experience in transporting heavy, fragile, and sensitive industrial materials.
Traceability: Every shipment includes comprehensive documentation and tracking information, providing end-to-end visibility and ensuring precise delivery coordination for your site.
Protection is Paramount: Our packaging strictly follows industry standards to prevent damage, corner chipping, and moisture absorption—especially critical for materials like Basic Refractory Bricks and Refractory Mortars & Mixes.
Robust Palletization: Products are secured on fumigated, high-strength export pallets (e.g., 1100x950mm or similar sturdy dimensions) using heavy-duty strapping and durable protective wrapping (polyethylene sheeting, cardboard, etc.) to withstand long-distance travel and multiple loadings.
Moisture Control: Sensitive materials are protected with appropriate sealing and, where necessary, desiccants or moisture-vapor proof enclosures to maintain the product's integrity until installation.
Clear Identification: All outer packaging is clearly marked on multiple sides with large, legible text for immediate identification and safe handling.
Full Traceability: Markings include all essential data points: Product Name, Quality Grade, Batch Number, Quantity, Net/Gross Weight, Order Number, and the Final Destination/Construction Area. This ensures every pallet can be accounted for and correctly staged upon arrival.
Safety & Compliance: We adhere to all regulatory requirements for marking, labeling, and placarding—especially for any items classified as Dangerous Goods—to ensure full compliance with international and domestic transport regulations.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Question | Elaborated Answer |
Q: What is the Refractoriness Under Load (RUL) of your refractories? | A: Refractoriness Under Load (RUL) is a critical property that defines the maximum temperature our materials can withstand while under compressive stress before deforming (softening). Since we offer a wide range of materials—from Alumina-Silicate Bricks to high-performance Silicon Carbide Bricks—the RUL varies significantly. For specific product data, please refer to the product data sheet or submit a quote request for the material you are interested in. |
Q: Where are the Rabatec refractories and materials produced? | A: Our products are primarily sourced from specialized manufacturing plants in China. Crucially, these facilities have all undergone rigorous audits and achieved comprehensive ISO certifications (Quality, Environment, and Safety), ensuring that production adheres to the highest global standards for consistency and performance. |
Q: What refractory materials does the company offer? | A: We supply a comprehensive portfolio of advanced refractory solutions, including: Shaped Products: Alumina & Silica Bricks, Basic & Specialized Bricks (e.g., Magnesia), SiC & Structural Ceramics, and Precast Shapes. Monolithic Products: Refractory Castables, Mixes & Mortars. Insulation: Insulation Fibre and High-Performance Insulation Products. |
Q: How should I choose the appropriate refractory material for my application? | A: Selecting the correct refractory is paramount to process efficiency. The choice depends on three key factors: 1. Operating Environment: Maximum process temperature and thermal cycling (shock). 2. Chemical Attack: Type of slag, molten metal, or corrosive gas being handled (acidic, neutral, or basic). 3. Mechanical Stress: Abrasion, erosion, and static load requirements. We recommend utilizing our detailed refractory solutions service to consult with our engineers for an optimized, application-specific recommendation. |
Q: Which monolithic material should I choose when patching an existing lining? | A: For patching and minor repairs, the ideal monolithic material depends on the parent lining material, the patching depth, and the need for a rapid return to service. Common choices include: Refractory Mortars & Mixes (for minor joints/surfaces) or Plastic Refractories (for areas requiring physical compaction). Always choose a patch material chemically compatible with the existing lining to ensure proper bonding and service life. |
Q: Can I receive product samples before placing a major order? | A: Yes. We gladly provide product samples for your internal testing and validation purposes. This ensures you can confirm the quality, composition, and fit of the material—such as our Refractory Castables or Alumina-Silicate Bricks—in your specific operational environment before committing to a bulk purchase. |
Q: Do you provide certifications to verify material quality? | A: Absolutely. We provide product-related inspection certificates and quality assurance documentation upon request. This verifies that your order has passed all internal quality control checks and meets the required material specifications and industry standards. |
Q: What measures are taken for product protection during transport? | A: We ensure quick, reliable transport by using robust, industrial packaging that strictly follows industry standards. This includes high-strength palletization, heavy-duty strapping, and weather-resistant wrapping to protect fragile items like bricks and mixes from corner chipping, mechanical damage, and moisture during transit. |
