Understanding interactions between filter and molten steel is essential to improve the purity of casted products by filtration. Characteristic, in situ formed layers on the surface of carbon-bonded alumina filters result from these interactions. To comprehend their formation, this study illustrates the time dependency of the layer buildup. Therefore, reactions at the filter/steel interface under quasi static conditions are examined using spark plasma sintering (SPS) equipment. Immersion tests in a steel casting simulator, which provides close-to-reality conditions, complement these investigations. Microstructure and phase analyses reveal that interfacial reactions between filter and steel lead to a thin in situ formed layer on the filter surface. During a "reactive" stage, large polycrystalline alumina structures are formed. Thereby, material is transported both from the carbon-bonded material underneath (i.e., gaseous reaction products) and from the molten steel (i.e., precipitating particles and endogenous inclusions) to the filter/steel interface. The formation of these alumina particles comes to an end as soon as the carbon supply, which triggers the dissolution and precipitation processes at the interface, is cut-off. From that point on, endogenous inclusions are deposited on them ("active" stage). The filters were most efficient during the reactive stage, that is, as long as the interfacial reactions take place.

In the present article, the performance and the efficiency of ceramic filters for continuous steel filtration in an induction crucible furnace, which is part of the steel casting simulator facility located at Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg, is investigated numerically. In order to achieve this objective, a macro-scale simulation for the melt flow in the crucible is coupled with a pore-scale simulation for the flow inside the ceramic filter that is adequately resolved by its detailed filter geometry, obtained from computed tomography scan images. The considerable influence of the filter on the flow field is indicated from the present results. Moreover, the efficiency of the employed filter is also determined and compared for two pore densities.

In order to explore the influence of nano-sized materials on steel filtration, carbon-bonded alumina filters are coated with multi-walled carbon nanotubes and alumina nanosheets. The samples are tested for different times in contact with a steel melt containing endogenous inclusions at 1650 8C. Investigations of the filters after the test reveal the typical layer buildup described in the literature. After 60 s fine endogenous inclusions are found on the top layer. By means of a special automatic SEM, steel samples after the tests are thoroughly analyzed. The population of detected inclusions is classified in terms of size and chemistry. Nano-coated filters show excellent filtration efficiency for 10 s immersion time. Longer times result in worse performance and generation of new silicate inclusions.

Metal melt filtration has become very popular over the past decades as it provides the possibility of removing nonmetallic inclusions from metal melts and reduces the amount of flow turbulence during mold filling. However, especially, the filtration of steel melts is associated with particularly harsh conditions which might require special filter solutions regarding increased strength and specified flow path. Herein, a novel approach for the manufacturing of cellular ceramic materials is investigated. Thereby, a slurry containing alginate is pumped into an aqueous solution containing Ca2+ or Ba2+ ions. The natural capability of the alginate for gelation leads to the in situ stiffening of the slurry in contact with the cross‐linking solution. Periodic strut patterns can be realized by moving the nozzle with the aid of a computer‐assisted robotic system. The influence of sodium alginate and solid content on the slurry rheology and the process parameters is analyzed based on a fixed carbon‐bonded alumina composition. Furthermore, alternative combinations of alginate types and alkaline earth sources are tested on their suitability for gel casting and their influence on the residual carbon content after pyrolysis. A suitable filter is successfully applied in steel melt immersion tests.

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