The characteristics of droplet transfer modes in submerged arc welding involving metallurgical reaction were reviewed. The results show that a series of metallurgical reactions take place in the cavity of submerged arc welding

in which the reduction of Si and Mn and the oxygen-increasing reaction have a certain effect on the dominant force of the droplet transfer. The flux wall guided transfer mode is the dominant one of submerged arc welding droplets（including coarse droplet and "whipping tail" flux wall guided transfer mode）.The relationship between the metallurgical reaction of submerged arc welding and the mode of droplet transfer depends on the mechanical conditions of droplet transfer. The additions that can improve the transfer mode are SiO

2

and TiO

2

and the addition that worsen the transfer of the droplet is CaF

2

. Among the influence of welding process parameters

the influence of welding current is very strong. Most of the influence of arc voltage may be the indirect influence of welding current. The polarity of the power supply and the basicity of the flux may increase the oxygen content of the droplet and refine the droplet

but it will not change the flux wall guided transfer mode of the droplet.