Calcium Silicon is a potent deoxidizer and desulfurizer utilized in the production of high grade steels. Although Silicon itself is a powerful deoxidizer, Calcium is by far more powerful. In addition, Calcium Silicon is used to control the shape, size and distribution of oxide and sulfide inclusions improving fluidity, machinability, ductility, and impact properties of the final product.

Calcium Silicon is also utilized in combination with Barium. The Barium increases the density and reduces the vapor pressure of the alloy, thereby improving efficiency. In cast irons it is used mainly by Pipe Shops for the purpose of coating the inside of each mono cast machine.

Calcium Silicon can be obtained in lump or powder form. The most widely used method for intergrated steel applications is in the form of cored wire. This is mainly because calcium has a low density and high reactivity in the ladle making it difficult to introduce and retain in the melt. Cored wire eliminates these variables.

• [Editor:Phillip.Feng]