Electroslag Casting of Stainless Steel Valve Bodies

The electroslag casting (ESC) process has been widely used in the Soviet Union for the production of stainless steel components. In this work we present the results of an examination of the ESC process for the production of stainless steel valve bodies. The 300-kg valve castings were made at the University of British Columbia and tested by nondestructive and destructive methods. We conclude that although this technique offers distinct quality and production advantages, there may be difficulties in reconciling the method with present code qualification requirements.