equilibrium equation used for this process is: where a[O] is the activity of the oxygen in the slag, and a(O) is the activity of oxygen in the steel. Reducing the activity in the slag (a[O]) will lower the oxygen levels in the slag. Afterwards, oxygen will diffuse from the steel into the lesser concentrated slag. This method is done by using deoxidizing agents on the slag, such as coke or silicon. As these agents do not come into direct contact with the steel, non-metallic inclusions will not form in the steel itself. References See also Desulfurization is the process of decreasing the sulfur content of steel. Decarburization is the process of decreasing the carbon content in metallurgy. Deoxidized steels are steels categorized by level of deoxidization treatment. Vacuum engineering Vacuum metallurgy Industrial processes Metallurgy Steelmaking