Ladle refining furnaces are used to improve the chemical composition and homogeneity of steel products and increase productivity in steel-making operations. By allowing the steel-making furnaces to be used exclusively as melting units, tap-to-tap times are decreased, increasing the production capacity and decreasing overhead costs per ton of steel produced. It also helps in flexible scheduling as liquid metal can be held at the proper temperature while waiting for caster availability.

The objectives of ladle metallurgy are the following.

• Homogenization – Homogenization of chemical composition and temperature of liquid steel in the ladle.
• Deoxidization or killing – Removal of oxygen.
• Superheat adjustment – Heating of the liquid steel to a temperature suitable for continuous casting.
• Ferro alloys and carbon additions – Making adjustments in the chemistry of liquid steel.
• Decarburization – Removal of carbon for meeting the requirement of certain grades of steel.
• Desulfurization – Reduction of sulfur concentrations.
• Dephosphorization – Reduction of phosphorous concentrations.
• Micro cleanliness – Removal of undesirable nonmetallic elements.
• Inclusion morphology – Changing the composition of remaining impurities to improve the microstructure of the steel.
• Mechanical properties – Improvement in toughness, ductility, and transverse properties.
• Reduction of refractory consumption.
• Reduction in total cost.