The present work is a pioneer study on the dissolution of calcium aluminate particles in liquid oxide mixtures using the unique real-time observation approach. Experiments were conducted to provide a better understanding of the effects of various steelmaking conditions on inclusion removal during the refinement of liquid steel. A clear understanding of the dissolution kinetics of inclusions helps to optimize the current steelmaking routes and enhance the removability of inclusions. Steel with a minimum amount of inclusions has better properties from all aspects, which improves its applicability in all fields.

In-situ observation of inclusion dissolution in slag is conducted using a high temperature, confocal scanning laser microscope (HT-CSLM). The particles used in this experimental work are produced in the laboratory and the production technique is explained in detail. The change in particle size is recorded with time and the effects of temperature, slag composition and inclusion morphology are investigated. The images are extracted from video and they are analyzed to record the change in equivalent radius of a single particle during the dissolution process. The original and normalized dissolution data is used to determine the dissolution mechanism and to improve existing dissolution models.