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CONTROLLING THE TRAMP (HARMFUL) ELEMENT CONTENT

WILL MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER
by
James D. Mullins, Sorelmetal Technical Services

When we speak of the chemistry of Ductile Iron, we

normally divide the elements into numerous categories.
Some of the elements would fit into several categories
depending upon the concentration and/or interaction with
other elements, but for this purpose, it is easier to leave
them in a single one. The tramp element category is the
one with the largest number of elements.
Primary elements - C, Si, S
Spheroidizing (treatment) elements - Mg, Ce, other
rare earths
Alloying elements - Cu, Mo, Ni, Sn
Residual elements - Cr, Mn, P, Ti, V
Insoluble (inoculating) elements - Ba, Ca
Gaseous elements - H, N, O
Tramp or harmful elements - Al, As, B, Bi, Cd, Pb, Sb, Se,
(also called subversive)
Te, Zn, Zr

Element

Source

Max.
Concentration

Al

Ferroalloys, steel scrap

0.03%

As *
B
Bi *
Cd *
Pb *
Sb *

Steel scrap
H-steel scrap, malleable scrap
Intentional add.
Plated scrap
Steel scrap, cast scrap
Steel scrap, intentional add.

0.01 %
0.002%
0.002%
0.002%
0.002%
0.003%

Se
Te *

Not available
Steel scrap, intentional add.

0.002%
0.002%

Zn *
Zr

Metal coatings, unsorted scrap

Some ferroalloys

N.A.
0.01%

The effect of very small amounts of these harmful (tramp)

elements can be significant to the Ductile Iron foundryman.
The concentrations of most of these elements are not often
checked by the foundry. In many instances, analysis of these
elements is impossible without specialized equipment, but
based upon the nature of the problems that they can
produce, the concentrations should be checked by an outside
laboratory. The following table displays the maximum levels
of most of the tramp elements that can affect Ductile Iron
properties and appearance.

Significant Effect

Can form flake graphite, can form pinholes in combination with Ti

(green sand molds)
Pearlite former, up to 0.05% in pearlitic irons
Strong carbide former
Improves nodule count, promotes flake graphite
Promotes flake graphite
Promotes flake graphite
Promotes flake graphite, promotes pearlite in heavy sections
- used to 0.02%
Carbide stabilizing element, highly toxic to humans
Carbide stabilizing, may cause graphite degeneration added to
control pinholes
Reported to contribute to flake graphite formation
Promotes vermicular/flake graphite

The effect of those elements with a (*) after the symbol will
be altered or neutralized with the addition of some Ce (rare
earths). The amount of Ce necessary to counteract the
harmful effects will depend upon the effectiveness of the
cerium and the sum of all the tramp elements present.
Typically, a 0.01% Ce is usually sufficient for most
situations and for castings with sections less than 1.5
inches (37 mm). Excessive amounts of Ce may cause
degenerate graphite and carbides when there are little or
no tramp element present. In castings with sections over 2
inches (50 mm), cerium by itself will promote chunk
graphite. The suggestion is to keep the amounts of all of
these tramp elements as low as possible or at the least,
tightly controlled.
As mentioned above, several of the elements are
intentionally added to improve nodule count (Bi), stabilize
pearlite (Sb & As), and control pinholes (Te). Note, when
Sb is used in heavy section castings to promote pearlite
and improve nodularity, an equal Ce addition should be

made. If these additions are made, it is very important to

segregate the return scrap if the element can be carried
over. Also keep in mind that the second and subsequent
additions of the element must be reduced by the amount
coming back in the return scrap, so that the effect remains
the same.
Another method to look at the effect of some elements is:
* Elements promoting chunk graphite
Ca, Ce, Ni, Si
* Elements promoting flake/intercellular flake graphite
Al, As, Bi, Cd, Cu, Pb, S, Sb, Sn, Zn, Zr
* Pearlite promoting elements
As, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, N, Ni, P, Sb, Sn, Ti, V
* Carbide promoting elements
B, Ce, Cr, H, Mg, Mn, Mo, Se, Te, Ti, V

REV March 2006