Title

BLAST FURNACE HEARTH MANAGEMENT

BLAST FURNACE HEARTH MANAGEMENT

Authorship

Simoes, Jean-Paul; Bermes, Philipp; Kass, Gilles; Avanzino, Giorgio; Morelli, Carlo; Oliveira, André

Simoes, Jean-Paul

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Bermes, Philipp

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Kass, Gilles

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Avanzino, Giorgio

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Morelli, Carlo

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Oliveira, André

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DOI

10.5151/2594-357X-23949

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Abstract

The proper management of hearth related phenomena is essential for safe and stable blast furnace operation. Assuring good liquid flow and drainage is one of its most important functions, whereas monitoring its wear and erosion is vital to achieve a long lifetime. In general, mathematical models use indirect measurements of the major hearth parameters to support the operator in the assessment of its internal state. The present paper presents the latest developments of Paul Wurth's level 2 automation system, BFXpertTM, supporting the blast furnace operator in this task. The Hearth Lining Model included in BFXpertTM is an online mathematical model monitoring the hearth's thermal status and the evolution of the wear profile. The use of specific temperature measuring probes increases the model's predictability. In case of high wear, the information given by the model helps the operator to take appropriate counter-measures in due time, before hearth wear becomes critical. The Hearth Liquids Model (HeLiMo) monitors the drainage behaviour of the hearth and keeps track of the hot metal and slag quantities and levels, based on a continuous mass balance of produced and tapped liquid quantities. The implementation of the different models and tools in a common platform eliminates interface and compatibility problems. The early detection of phenomena and anomalies avoids perturbations and enables preventive actions, contributing to enhanced plant productivity and availability.

The proper management of hearth related phenomena is essential for safe and stable blast furnace operation. Assuring good liquid flow and drainage is one of its most important functions, whereas monitoring its wear and erosion is vital to achieve a long lifetime. In general, mathematical models use indirect measurements of the major hearth parameters to support the operator in the assessment of its internal state. The present paper presents the latest developments of Paul Wurth's level 2 automation system, BFXpertTM, supporting the blast furnace operator in this task. The Hearth Lining Model included in BFXpertTM is an online mathematical model monitoring the hearth's thermal status and the evolution of the wear profile. The use of specific temperature measuring probes increases the model's predictability. In case of high wear, the information given by the model helps the operator to take appropriate counter-measures in due time, before hearth wear becomes critical. The Hearth Liquids Model (HeLiMo) monitors the drainage behaviour of the hearth and keeps track of the hot metal and slag quantities and levels, based on a continuous mass balance of produced and tapped liquid quantities. The implementation of the different models and tools in a common platform eliminates interface and compatibility problems. The early detection of phenomena and anomalies avoids perturbations and enables preventive actions, contributing to enhanced plant productivity and availability.

Keywords

Blast furnace; Hearth; Level 2; Models.

Blast furnace; Hearth; Level 2; Models.