Lubricating Powders for Continuous Casting The application field of powders is extended to all killed steels in continuous casting provided casting makes use of a snorkel unloader which allows the steel to flow down the mould below the powder level. During the casting, the powder must be added continuously in order to restore the melted slag that is consumed in ingot mould lubrication. The specific powder consumption is of 0.5 – 0.9 kg. Per ton of steel and is strictly related to the product characteristics and the casting conditions. “SYNTHESIS” powders are formed essentially of CaO – Al2O3 – SiO2 with the addition of melters and of carbon in order to give the product a well defined melting interval and melted slag formation speed. Besides regulating the melting speed of the powders, the carbon gives the system reduction characteristics, and it also avoids excessive .syntherization of the powder layer, consequently reducing the thermal conduction of the powder itself. The powder for ingot mould continuous casting has different functions: the melted slag, thanks to the lubrication action, which reduces the friction between the metal and the ingot mould, allows homogeneous heat transmission and picks up the nonmetallic components before they are entrapped by the steel surface; the non-melted powder preserves the metal from oxidation and reduces the loss of heat by radiation. The use of selected raw materials, their systematic analysis, the checks on the mixtures, on the carbon contents, on the granulation and on the carbon contents, on the granulation and on the melting temperatures, all of this done at regular intervals allows one to ensure the reproducing and the consistency of the product.