I do know that the NC&StL went to Gadsen, AL which was the sight of a large steel works. I think it was called Republic Steel. Anyway, I think the container gons hauled calcium carbide which one its uses was to de-sulfur pig iron, cast steel, and steel.
Calcium carbide is used to a modest extent as a ladle injection to make late adjustments to sulfur content, but is not a primary desulfurizing addition.
Anthony Thompson Dept. of Materials Science & Engineering University of California, Berkeley thompsonmarytony@...
