Effect of Bottom Blowing Mode on Fluid Flow and Mixing Behavior in Converter

Bottom blowing agitation plays a crucial role in improving the reaction kinetics condition of molten bath during the steelmaking process. Herein, the influence of bottom blowing mode on the flow and mixing characteristics of molten bath and the abrasion characteristics of refractory lining in a 6:1 scaled-down model of a 100 t converter were investigated using physical and numerical simulations together. Eight bottom blowing modes were designed (uniform, three-point linear co-direction, three-point linear unco-direction, two-point linear, circumferential linear, A-type, V-type, and triangle alternating). The results indicated that bottom blowing mode has a significant effect on the local flow field at the inner ring of bottom tuyeres, the velocity interval distribution, and the turbulent kinetic energy, which in turn determines the tracer diffusion path and rate as well the mixing time of molten bath. Reasonable non-uniform bottom blowing modes promote the interaction between the various stirring sub-zones of the molten bath. Among them, the three-point linear co-direction mode and A-type mode have the highest mixing efficiency under the conditions of bottom blowing and combined blowing, respectively, which is superior to the uniform mode. In addition, the bottom blowing mode changed the location and degree of abrasion of the refractory lining, and the total abrasion of the non-uniform mode was reduced. The average value and fluctuation degree of integral wall shear stress for the A-type mode were minimal.

Design of Magnesia–Spinel Bricks for Improved Coating Adherence in Cement Rotary Kilns

It is well known that doloma bricks present better coating adherence than magnesia–spinel bricks when applied in cement rotary kilns, which is related to the different coating formation mechanism. The coating has an essential role in prolonged operation by protecting the refractory lining; thus, it is important to improve its adherence on magnesia–spinel refractories. The objective of this investigation is to study different compositions of magnesia–spinel bricks, achieved by varying additives used (calcined alumina, limestone, hematite and zirconia) and firing temperature (1500 °C and 1700 °C), to enhance the coating adherence measured by the sandwich test. The results have pointed out that the use of higher firing temperature contributes positively to physical adherence due to well-sintered refractory structure and elevated permeability, attaining coating strength superior to 2 MPa. For the chemical adherence, the addition of 2 wt.% of limestone increased the coating strength to 3 MPa, but resulted in a drop in hot properties. In this context, the most suitable approach to improve adherence of clinker coating and maintain hot properties in suitable levels is to increase the firing temperature.

Substantiation of refractory lining influence on the electric furnace efficiency for the production of ferronickel

Purpose. The purpose of the research is to substantiate the possibility of replacing existing MgO bricks with the MgO-C bricks due to their resistance to the slag aggressiveness of the electric furnace and the Si content in the resulting metal, which can have a positive effect on reducing the consumption of refractory materials. Methods. This research will be presented as the results of theoretical and experimental data determining the dependence of the electric furnace on the type of refractory material, walls construction, operating parameters and the electric furnace lining, that are expected to have a major impact on the cost output of production process. Findings. Based on the presented results, it has been revealed that MgO-C bricks are more effective in terms of preventing the furnace damage depending on refractory materials. Therefore, to optimize the production process, it is recommended to improve the composition of melted metal and slag, as well as to strengthen the control of the process parameters. Originality. Laboratory analyses are conducted in specialized laboratories, and the presented data have been obtained through the use of devices and equipment required for experimental research. Practical implications. The refractory materials are one of the main indicators of technical performance and production costs at NewCo Ferronickel in Kosovo. Therefore, the higher performance of the refractory lining will have a positive effect on the furnace durability and the quality of the final product.

Interaction of rail steel melt with refractory lining

The rail steel properties are adversely affected by rigid non-metallic inclusions, containing aluminum oxides. Therefore, aluminum content is limited to 0.004 % wt. in rail steel grades. Aluminum can get into steel from charge materials and refractory lining. In this work, we’ve analyzed how the chemical composition of refractories used in rail steel making influence steel quality on example of one domestic enterprise. To determine the main types of non-metallic inclusions created in E76F rail steels, we have performed fractional gas analysis of the samples taken in various process steps. It was found that the slag composition after degassing changes insignificantly, while the most part of non-metallic inclusions in rail steel is represented by aluminates.

Modern concepts of refractory materials application in production of steel and cast iron

Refractory lining is an integral part of metallurgical facilities and requires constant perfection. Examples of successful interaction of specialists-steelmakers, companies-manufacturers of refractories and engineering companies on increasing efficiency of refractories application in steel industry presented. The wide application of drying and heating stations of steel ladles, EAFs, BOFs was noted because of using refractory gunned castable at their current repairs. The growth of unmolded refractory share in the BF production was shown. At the stoves repair technology of guniting and shotcreting is widely used. Transfer to application of modern concrete at lining of shoots, ramming mixtures and repairs with application of liquid concrete addition resulted in a decrease of labor­ intensiveness of repair work, accelerated the process of repair and considerably decreased specific consumption of refractory materi­als. Nevertheless, within a predictable period, despite of increase of unmolded refractories application, it is expected that the molded refractories would take the main share of the refractory market in the steelmaking. Creation of partial load conditions in a metallurgical facility is an important factor for increasing lining resistivity. Slag foaming in EAF screens radiation from electrodes in the process of the furnace running. Blowing of the final slag (preliminary enriched by magnesium oxide in case of necessity) forms a scull on the working surface of the BOF lining, thus preventing intensive contact of the refractory lining with steel melt and slag. Modem technologies of instrumental control the lining state of metallurgical facility within the period of its running considered, which allowto accomplish operation of hot repair at particular arears of the lining, avoiding overconsumption of the repair material. It was noted that apart from the task of decreasing specific expenses for refractory materials, the customers most often estimate the indirect costs, cover of loss and obtaining additional profit due to increase of metal production because of increase of overhaul period and decrease of time of lining repair. This is the purpose of cooperation of specialists of refractories manufacturers and metallurgical plants.

Determination of thickness and quality of refractory linings in industrial furnaces using acousto ultrasonic echo

Refractory linings in metallurgical furnaces undergo deterioration and wearing with time. The deterioration is caused mainly by thermomechanical mechanisms leading to cracks, chemical degradation and loss of heat transfer capability. Any sudden failure of the lining is dangerous and could affect the structural integrity of the furnace, leading to production loss and costly refurbishment. Non-destructive testing (NDT) and monitoring of refractory lining would lead to better safety, longer use of the vessel, production optimization, controlled maintenance and increased production. Thickness measurements and monitoring of the refractory lining in operating furnaces is possible using Acousto Ultrasonic -Echo (AU-E) technique. This technique uses stress waves of both acoustic and ultrasonic ranges in order to determine thickness and integrity. This thesis presents the details of AU-E technique in addition to laboratory measurements to determine parameters leading to the in-situ measurements. Finally, three case studies are presented to substantiate the theoretical and laboratory measurements.

Determination of thickness and quality of refractory linings in industrial furnaces using acousto ultrasonic echo

Refractory linings in metallurgical furnaces undergo deterioration and wearing with time. The deterioration is caused mainly by thermomechanical mechanisms leading to cracks, chemical degradation and loss of heat transfer capability. Any sudden failure of the lining is dangerous and could affect the structural integrity of the furnace, leading to production loss and costly refurbishment. Non-destructive testing (NDT) and monitoring of refractory lining would lead to better safety, longer use of the vessel, production optimization, controlled maintenance and increased production. Thickness measurements and monitoring of the refractory lining in operating furnaces is possible using Acousto Ultrasonic -Echo (AU-E) technique. This technique uses stress waves of both acoustic and ultrasonic ranges in order to determine thickness and integrity. This thesis presents the details of AU-E technique in addition to laboratory measurements to determine parameters leading to the in-situ measurements. Finally, three case studies are presented to substantiate the theoretical and laboratory measurements.