Mihail K. Mihovsky
PLASMALAB - Plasma Metallurgy Research Laboratory, University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy - Sofia, 8 Kliment Ohridsky Blvd., 1156, Sofia, Bulgaria
Tzonio P. Tzonev
University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, PLASMALAB, 1156 Sofia, 8 Kl. Ohridsky Blvd., Bulgaria
Biserka I. Lucheva
University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, PLASMALAB, 1156 Sofia, 8 Kl. Ohridsky Blvd., Bulgaria
R.I. Petkov
PLASMALAB University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy – Sofia BULGARIA
K.V. Todorov
PLASMALAB University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy – Sofia BULGARIA
A high-efficiency technology for high speed steel turnings remelting in plasma-induction furnace with inert gas blowing through bottom electrode-anode is developed. Possibilities for nitrogen gas alloying, using argon-nitrogen plasma, is the main subject of this work. The study includes: investigation on electric regime of induction furnace and plasma torch working parameters during the melting process; determination of alloying elements oxidation; investigation on influence of nitrogen blowing through bottom electrode - anode on temperature and chemical composition homogeneity as well as nitrogen content in metal. The advantages of this technology are: using cheap scrap; reduced ferroalloys consumption; alloying steel with nitrogen instead of expensive nitrided ferroalloys; improved quality of final products due to better homogeneity of chemical composition and structure.