Title

HOT BLAST AIR DISTRIBUTION MAIN DESIGN MODIFICATIONS FOR IMPROVED PERFORMANCE

Authorship

Chomyn, Kyle T.; Pinto, Salustiano M.; DeGorter, Matthew E.; Blackmore, Adam D.; Busser, John W.; Ghorbani, Hamid R.

Chomyn, Kyle T.

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Pinto, Salustiano M.

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DeGorter, Matthew E.

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Blackmore, Adam D.

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Busser, John W.

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Ghorbani, Hamid R.

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DOI

10.5151/2594-357X-27538

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Abstract

Multi-disciplinary engineering analysis and advanced modeling techniques were used to identify and develop low cost design modifications to improve a blast furnace hot blast air distribution main that experienced frequent refractory failures. Piping flexibility analysis helped identify the root causes of refractory damage and determine the need for new expansion joints. Finite element analysis was used to optimize a custom-designed elbow-to-elbow tie-rod system, which ensures thermal expansion loads are not placed on connecting piping. Heat transfer coefficients through the elbows were estimated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) flow modeling. The cast refractory design was changed to a more reliable brick refractory design. Excessive draft was occurring during furnace back-drafting, so the system was assessed using CFD, and a passive flow-reduction spool was designed. This firstprinciples engineering design approach allowed for optimization and verification, ensuring that the new design addressed the root cause of the previous deficiencies.

Keywords

Finite element analysis, Computational fluid dynamics, Piping flexibility analysis, Refractory design

Refractory design