This article will show how root cause analysis can be used to investigate and resolve refractory failure issues, using the example of a steel ladle argon system breakout.

Breakouts are when molten metal leaks and/or pours out from the refractory-lined ladle during steel production. When breakouts occur, all personnel in a steel shop have a stake in knowing what caused the breakout to avoid future occurrences. For example, people working in operations, installation, and refractory supply will want to ensure that their practices, handiwork, and products, respectively, did not cause the breakout, and if they did, what changes need to be made to error-proof the system.