AOD-VCR process
Refining of stainless steels

The AOD-VCR (Argon Oxygen Decarburization/Vacuum Converter Refining) process is designed to combine the advantages of the AOD converter with those of vacuum refining.

This process was developed by Daido (Japan). It combines, in a single device (figure 10 ), the operating speed of the AOD converter and the stirring effects between bath and slag, characteristic of a vacuum process.

This apparently attractive aspect has not led to any significant industrial production, and despite its metallurgical interest, the process remains marginal.

Compared with the conventional AOD process, the vacuum sequence saves argon and achieves very low carbon (C < 0.010%)...