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Term
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Definition
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| V Ratio |
An expression of basicity (CaO/SiO2). |
| Vacuum Degassing |
An advanced steel refining facility that removes oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen under low pressures (in a vacuum) to produce ultra-low-carbon steel for demanding electrical and automotive applications. Normally performed in the ladle,the removal of dissolved gases results in cleaner, higher-quality, more pure steel (see Ladle Metallurgy). |
| Vacuum Oxygen Decarburization (VOD) |
What. Process for further refinement of stainless steel through reduction of carbon content.
Why. The amount of carbon in stainless steel must be lower than that in carbon steel or lower alloy steel (i.e., steel with alloying element content below 5%). While electric arc furnaces (EAF) are the conventional means of melting and refining stainless steel, VOD is an economical supplement, as operating time is reduced and temperatures are lower than in EAF steelmaking. Additionally, using VOD for refining stainless steel increases the availability of the EAF for melting purposes.
How. Molten, unrefined steel is transferred from the EAF into a separate vessel, where it is heated and stirred by an electrical current while oxygen enters from the top of the vessel. Substantial quantities of undesirable gases escape from the steel and are drawn off by a vacuum pump. Alloys and other additives are then mixed in to refine the molten steel further. |
| Vendor |
Supplier, seller. |
| Vessel |
(1) Certain equipment used for melting purposes.
(2) A lake or sea-going ship. |
| Voluntary Restraint Agreements (VRAs) |
Trading partners are allowed to export steel "illegally" -- that is, "dump" or receive subsidies -- with no consequences, as long as such exports are kept below a certain level; this provision cannot be used with WTO countries. |
| Voucher |
A document, usually accompanied by a check, giving sufficient data to identify the reason for the issuance of the check. More recently, the term "remittance advice" has been used instead of voucher.
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