Hill and Griffith’s Slagone is a perlite material used as a slag coagulant in a molten metal application. Slagone is typically used with Iron, Brass and Bronze metals.
Description
Perlite is a generic term for a naturally occurring siliceous volcanic rock. The distinguishing feature of perlite is that when it is heated to its softening range, it expands 4 to 20 times its original volume. This expansion is due to a small amount of water contained in the crude perlite rock. As the ore heats, the water vaporizes and pops allowing the expansion. Any slag present on the molten metal will adhere to the expanded perlite and continue to float. The combined slag/perlite from the molten metal slag coagulant can then be removed from the molten metal in large pieces, resulting in clean molten metal for the casting process.
Video and images from, "BMW Engine Block Foundry" from Car TV.
Elemental Analyses: (typical)
Silicon | 33.8 |
Aluminum | 7.2 |
Potassium | 3.5 |
Sodium | 3.4 |
Iron | 0.6 |
Calcium | 0.6 |
Magnesium | 0.2 |
Trace Elements | 0.2 |
Particle Size Distribution: (typical)
Plus 8 screen | 32% |
Plus 12 screen | 47% |
Plus 16 screen | 15% |
Plus 20 screen | 2% |
Beyond Plus 20 screen | 2% |
Appearance:
From transparent light gray to glossy black
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Application
Slagone should be generously distributed on top of a full ladle of molten metal. Once the perlite has expanded, a color change will occur as the Slagone will turn to a white color. At this point, the material and slag should be removed from the metal.
Slagone can be used on a full ladle or added during the ladle filling process.
If an insulating cover is desired, Slagone should be applied to the ladle or furnace at a thickness of at least 3 inches.
Caution
Slagone is a material that has the potential to absorb water. This is a safety concern in that if applied to molten metal, excess steam could be generated. Slagone should be stored in a dry environment.