Molten steel can be stirred electromagnetically (EMS) or by gas bubbling during secondary
steelmaking.
The principal purpose is to homogenise the steel with
respect to both composition and temperature.
Stirring also has a major impact on the inclusion population.
Vigorous stirring can break the slag surface. This results in:
- more inclusions / slag particles;
- oxidation of the exposed molten steel.
Conversely, gentle stirring is widely
used as a steel cleaning technique.
