Tapping:

Once the wished steel composition and temperature are attained in the furnace, the tap-hole is opened up, the furnace is tilted, and the steel pours in any ladle for transfer to the next batch operation (typically a ladle furnace or ladle station). Throughout the tapping procedure bulk alloy additions are made depend on the bath analysis and the wished steel grade as shall be discussed in the end of this unit.

De-oxidizers might be added up to the steel to lower the oxygen content prior to furthest processing. Normally this is referred to as "blocking the heat" or "killing the steel". Common de-oxidizers are silicon or aluminum in the form of ferrosilicon or silicomanganese. Most of the carbon steel operations aim for minimal slag carry-over. A new slag cover is "built" throughout tapping. For ladle furnace operations, a calcium aluminate slag is a good option for sulphur control. Slag forming compounds are added up in the ladle at tap so that a slag cover is produced prior to transfer to the ladle furnace. Extra slag materials might be added at the ladle furnace if the slag cover is inadequate.