AOD and VOD processes elaborate stainless steels from either of two basic production cycles. They are originate from iron ore and steel scrap respectively.
AOD production (Argon-Oxygen-Decarburization)
In this process the merger is implemented in conventional furnace. Subsequently, the liquid passes to the converter, within which the steel undergoes the refining chemical analysis through redox reactions. Blowing argon and oxygen, using sheets, maintain a continuous mixing. 
The insufflation of argon and oxygen, using sheets, maintain a continuous mixing. In addition, the redox reactions raise the temperature up to 1650° C. What is it the main reaction? The decarburization. During this reaction the excess carbon binds with oxygen and other gases are inflated. This allows the formation of carbon monoxide leading to get carbon levels in the order of 0.015%. The loss of Chromium by oxidation is contained by the ratio calibrated for oxygen and argon. What happens to steel after “centered” the chemical analysis? Switch to continuous in casting or in ingot moulds.
VOD production (Vacuum-Oxygen-Decarburization)
The melting of scrap practiced for VOD is the same as AOD. With the only variation of the liquid steel is poured into a ladle, entered into a plant (tank) capable of creating an initial 3 mbar vacuum and then stabilize in 0.6 mbar. What happens? The vacuum action:
- enhances the decarburization reaction
- preserves the chromium from over-oxidation.
Argon plugs is entered from the bottom of the ladle through porous. Just to keep agitated steel-washed. Then the oxygen is introduced from above using a spear. The latter spreads on the surface of the liquid thus accelerating the formation of carbon monoxide. Bringing carbon up to limits of 0.015%, allowing the decarburization. After reaching the specific settings, we proceed to the adjustment of other chemical elements. (e.g. chrome) How much electricity is used to keep the high temperatures needed to proceedings? This process produces heat thanks to decarburization reaction will be like request a smaller amount of energy. Only we proceed to the task of ingot-mould.
Final comments.
The AOD process is fast and cheap. Today, it is certainly more used in the specialized steel mills with continuity in the production of stainless steels. Indeed, the VOD process is particularly suitable for mixed production of stainless steel. Where the share is more modest and produced steels stainless also.
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alloy steel casting
Thank you so much, Savitha! Have a nice day. Alessandro – Inoxmare Staff
What is the cost difference between stainless steel produced by AOD and VOD?
Dear Sunil,
We don’t know how much one system affects oh the final price then the other one.
Surely we can say that AOD System is an additional cost because of Argon.
Despite this, it’s not uncommont that both system are used in production chains.
Alessandro – Inoxmare Staff
What I mean is the manufacturing cost. Understand that the stainless steel manufactured by AOD is cheaper than manufactured by VOD. So my question is what is the manufacturing cost of AOD compared to VOD.
Can VD OB be modified to add AOD process?
Dear Sumil,
unfortunately we’re not in a position to assess precisely the manifactory costs of each converter. So we can’t evaluate the difference between the manifactory costs.
We can only tell you that, today, over the 75% of stailess steel of the world is obtained through the Decarburization process AOD System.
To reach very low carbon contents normally the VOD System is added to the AOD System.
Alessandro – Staff Inoxmare
What is the cost difference to produce stainless teel by AOV and VOD?
We are looking to buy a secondhand AOD converter capacity 3 to 8 tons
Dear Andre,
unfortunately we are resellers and we turn to large retailers, not private.
We only sell fasteners, we don’t sell converters.
Alessandro – Staff Inoxmare