Non-metallic inclusions in metal of continuously cast billets for boiler tubes

The article presents results of studies of contamination of metal of undeformed continuously cast billets (CCB) for boiler tubes from carbon steel supplied by various manufacturers with non-metallic inclusions. Contamination was investigated by metallographic means using methods of observation under a microscope in light and dark fields of vision in polarized light. Application of these methods has made it possible to determine the inclusion types (silicates, oxides, sulfides) with high probability based on optical properties (color, transparency, etc.). Shape, size and type of inclusions and the nature of their location along the billet cross-section were determined for the data set of actual level of contamination of the CCB metal with non-metallic inclusions. In addition, the methods Sh and L according to DSTU 8966 were used. To determine the number, dimensions and types of inclusions, an automated control method using the VIDEOTEST-METAL 1.0 software was also used for the Axiovert 200MAT microscope. Composition of some non-metallic inclusions was studied by means of X-ray spectral microanalysis using the MS-46 microprobe of the Cameca Co. (France). It was established that irregular and rounded silicates of both homogeneous and heterogeneous composition (including individual large ones up to 150 μm in size) are main types of inclusions in metal of continuously cast billets. In most cases, these inclusions are located in axial and peripheral zones along the CCB section. Intermittent film precipitation of non-metallic inclusions of varying degrees of dispersion (mainly of small size) which can have a negative effect on service characteristics of tubes made from such CCB was also detected. The study results have important scientific and practical significance in conditions of wide use of such CCB in the production of tubes of responsible purpose. The obtained study results will make it possible to further develop an advanced methodology of assessing the contamination of non-deformed continuously cast billets (with scale) with non-metallic inclusions in their metal and introduce them in regulatory documents on the CCB. The results of studies of metal contamination with non-metallic inclusions will also be useful for improving the CCB production technology with the aim of producing boiler tubes of high operational reliability. Keywords: undeformed continuous cast tube billet, non-metallic inclusions, silicates, film precipitation of non-metallic inclusions.