How we achieved lifecycle savings of up to 40%

CAS-OB bells are used in steel manufacturing when the steel’s temperature and composition are controlled before continuous casting. The purpose of the CAS-OB bell is to protect the steel from oxidisation and to form a slag-free area inside the bell.

The slag-free area allows additives to be alloyed on the surface of the molten steel directly instead of through the slag, as is traditional. This lowers alloying element costs and improves their yield.

The bell is submerged in steel and it allows steel to be heated during processing. During heating, aluminium is fed into the melt and oxygen is blown through a top lance.

Development based on accurate data 

We at Bet-Ker have continuously developed the bell. Our work is based on measuring the bells’ performance after the usage. If the bell is clogged, we also measure performance during use.   

We have used the data to continuously study the bell’s wear behavior and areas that need improvement. Based on this data, we have made a structural change to the bell and strengthened its weakest point.

Proven best materials for CAS-OB bells

Bet-Ker has also performed controlled tests on using different materials in the bells to find the best and most cost-effective material. We have tested recycled materials, various steel fibers and different numbers of steel fibers.

After a long research, we have been able to use recycled materials to achieve the same performance as virgin materials. 

More durable bells

With our material and structural changes, the bells have become much more durable. Thanks to Bet-Ker customers’ process monitoring, the bells have been in use for as long as safely possible.

This has resulted in a 40% decrease in the bells’ price (EUR/heat), despite the fact that steel manufacturing has become more and more challenging.