Mathematical Modelling of the Vacuum Degassing Process for Hydrogen Removal in Precision Steel Production

Precision steel is a critical material in modern engineering, particularly in precision mechanics and high-performance construction.In this study, a mathematical model is presented to simulate the vacuum degassing (VD) process employed to reduce the hydrogen content in steel produced via the basic oxygen furnace (BOF) process.The steel, which is subsequently used for ingot casting, requires a significant reduction in hydrogen levels-from 7 ppm to below 1.5 ppm-to meet the stringent quality requirements for high-precision applications.This reduction is achieved through the VD process in combination with argon bottom stirring.The model, developed in collaboration with an industrial project in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is designed to predict the necessary degassing time and the temperature variation during the process.The model accounts for the operational parameters specified by the project sponsor and the constraints of the process.Results indicate that the hydrogen content can be reduced within 8.39 minutes under optimal conditions.Furthermore, for a molten steel starting temperature of 1670, the final temperature after degassing is predicted to be 1637.The applicability of the model has been validated through practical implementation in a new industrial facility, constructed based on the model's predictions.This study demonstrates the broader utility of the model in designing and optimizing VD processes for precision steel production, offering significant potential for enhancing steel quality and process efficiency in similar industrial settings.