Ladle metallurgical furnace

Ladle metallurgical furnace (LMF) processes are used to refine molten steel from the BOF or EAF prior to ingot or continuous casting. These processes include the following steps ... 

In ladle metallurgy, alloying addihons are done in the ladle itself. Such ladles are called ladle metallurgical furnaces (LMF). The refractories making up these furnaces should be able to resist the alloying operations. Sometimes, these ladles will have to be reheated. 

The principal consumers of refractories are the iron and steel industries. There has been a decrease in refractories consumption that coincided with technological changes in the manufacture of steel. Steady improvements in basic oxygen furnace (BOF) practice and improvements in refractory composition and design led to improved refractory performance. More sophisticated ladle metallurgical practice has been employed, leading to improved steel quality and improved refractory performance... 

The metallurgical equipment of cast houses at smelters includes ladles for transporting raw A1 from the reduction shop to the cast house (Fig. 3.1), stationary or tilting holding furnaces, degassing units, induction furnaces for remelting of disposal or wastes and preparation of alloys, and gas-fired furnaces for remelting of disposal and wastes. 

---