Technical Information 31

Carbon Monoxide Blowholes in Grey Iron

Slag related gas porosity in grey iron often occur as rounded or irregular shaped cavities
either inside the casting or open to the surface. Typically, clusters of slag or dross are
found in conjunction to the cavities. The blowhole itself is a result from gas formation (typi-
cally CO gas evolution), from reactions between the slag and the carbon content in the
iron.

Example of surface slag blowhole in grey iron. Close-up of defect showing slag cluster.

Possible causes: Possible cures:

• Manganese sulphide or oxide separation
aggravated by high sulphur and manga-
nese contents and low pouring tempera-
ture.
• Improper slag separation.
• High sulphur content.
• Slag contaminated ladles and improper
draining leaving a cold metal heel in the
ladle that oxidized, causing Mn-oxide
formation.
• High contents of Ca, Al or Ti.
• Use clean ladles and ensure that ladles
are properly drained between fills.
• Reduce sulphur content to below 0.12%.
• Avoid excessive manganese content,
maximum 0.7%.
• Improve slag skimming and removal
procedures.
• Increase pouring temperature.
• Check gating system and secure that no
slag enters the mould, and avoid turbu-
lent filling.
• Use filters in the gating system.

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