The steel ladle is a core metallurgical vessel for containing, transferring, and teeming molten steel. Its structure comprises a shell (welded HSLA steel with multi-layer refractory lining for thermal insulation), forged alloy steel trunnions securely mounted to the shell, a hydraulically-driven tilting mechanism for precise pouring control, and a cover minimizing heat dissipation/gas absorption.
Operationally, overhead cranes position the ladle at tap holes to receive molten steel; controlled tilting enables gravity-driven teeming.
Key advantages include superior thermal retention (≤0.8°C/min temperature drop), triple safety interlocks, extended service life (80–120 heats via erosion-resistant refractories), and customizable designs. Essential for BOF/EAF steelmaking, continuous casting, and ingot teeming processes, it is indispensable across integrated steel production.
