Casting of iron or steel is performed by assembling a charge (1) of plate-like charge elements (1a, 1b, 1c . . . ) with known compositions and dimensions by placing them on top of each other, and of an alloying component entity (2) with known composition, such as alloying component pieces or an alloying component cartridge, by means of which the composition of the charge is balanced to the desired precise composition. The charge is melted in a furnace (5) and cast to form a casting with an exactly known composition.

The invention relates to a mixture to be introduced into the slag located on a metal melt in iron and steel metallurgy, the use of such a mixture, and a method for conditioning a slag located on a metal melt in a metallurgical vessel, for example in a converter, in an electric arc furnace or in a ladle, in iron and steel metallurgy.

The method employs a desulfurization agent that is introduced into a smelt of one of molten pig iron and molten steel. The desulfurization agent contains calcium oxide, bitumen and at least one flux agent, with the agent containing 1 to 10% by weight bitumen.

A method for melting ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals, machining waste and scrap and steel, includes the following steps of providing a closed container made of a material that is compatible with a melting bath in which it is to be placed and is adapted to contain materials adapted to be used as corrective substances in the melting bath; introducing the corrective substances in the container so as to obtain a closed container which contains the corrective substances; inserting the closed container in the melting bath; and monitoring the melting of the container and the release of the corrective substances in the melting bath.

Described are solid agglomerates of fine metal particles and methods for manufacturing same. A liquid oily lubricant is used in the manufacture of the solid agglomerates. The manufacturing comprises blending fine metal particles with the liquid oily lubricant and compacting the oily metallic mixture obtained to desired solid form. Advantageously, the solid agglomerates possess a desirable density, a suitable resistance to crumbling and dusting during handling, and they can resist to high temperature and to humidity. Solid agglomerated metal products, according to the invention, may be useful for different purposes such as quality charge material for steel plants, blast furnaces and foundries.

The method employs a desulfurization agent that is introduced into a smelt of one of molten pig iron and molten steel. The desulfurization agent contains calcium oxide, bitumen and at least one flux agent, with the agent containing 1 to 10% by weight bitumen.

A slag conditioner for electric arc furnace steel production comprising a carbonate-containing material with the balance being a reducing agent that comprises a reducing element that is easily oxidized in an exothermic reaction. The slag conditioner may further include carbonaceous material and/or an MgO-containing material. The slag conditioners may be in particulate, pellet, or briquette form. Also, a method of conditioning the slag in an electric arc furnace where steel in being produced, the method comprising introducing the particulate or pellet slag conditioners into the slag or into an interface between the slag and the molten metal or charging the briquette slag conditioners into the top of the furnace.

An improved method of manufacturing a powder metal material by water, gas, plasma, or rotating disk atomization is provided. The method includes adding at least one additive to a melted metal material before or during the atomization process. The at least one additive forms a protective gas atmosphere surrounding the melted metal material which is at least three times greater than the volume of melt to be treated. The protective atmosphere prevents introduction or re-introduction of contaminants, such as sulfur (S) and oxygen (O.sub.2), into the material. The atomized particles produced include at least one of the following advantages: median circularity of at least 0.60, median roundness of at least 0.60, less internal pores, less internal oxides, and an increased sphericity of the microstructural phases and/or constituents.

Composition comprising at least one calcium-magnesium compound and a second compound chosen in the group consisting of B.sub.2O.sub.3, NaO.sub.3, calcium aluminate, calcium silicate, calcium ferrite such as Ca.sub.2Fe.sub.2O.sub.5 or CaFe.sub.2O.sub.4, Al, Mg, Fe, Mn, Mo, Zn, Cu, Si, CaF.sub.2, C, CaC.sub.2, CaSi, CaMg, CaFe, FeMn, FeSi, FeSiMn, FeMo; TiO.sub.2, an oxide or a hydroxide of molybdenum, copper, zinc, and their mixture, in the form of compacts formed with compacted and shaped particles of calcium-magnesium compounds, having a Shatter Test Index of less than 20% and the manufacturing process thereof.

Described are solid agglomerates of fine metal particles and methods for manufacturing same. A liquid oily lubricant is used in the manufacture of the solid agglomerates. The manufacturing comprises blending fine metal particles with the liquid oily lubricant and compacting the oily metallic mixture obtained to desired solid form. Advantageously, the solid agglomerates possess a desirable density, a suitable resistance to crumbling and dusting during handling, and they can resist to high temperature and to humidity. Solid agglomerated metal products, according to the invention, may be useful for different purposes such as quality charge material for steel plants, blast furnaces and foundries.