Title

STANDARDS FOR ALKALI INPUT IN BLAST FURNACES

STANDARDS FOR ALKALI INPUT IN BLAST FURNACES

Authorship

Geerdes, Maarten; Cegna, Gustavo; Contreras, Pedro; González, Carlos; Liceaga, Fernando; Lingiardi, Oscar; Toxopeus., Hisko

Geerdes, Maarten

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Cegna, Gustavo

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Contreras, Pedro

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González, Carlos

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Liceaga, Fernando

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Lingiardi, Oscar

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Toxopeus., Hisko

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DOI

10.5151/2594-357X-22155

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Abstract

Operational standards for the alkali input in blast furnaces are generally set as the sum of potassium and sodium oxide per ton hot metal. This approach does not take differences in operational conditions nor the distinction between Na2O and K2O into account. In the present paper it is shown, that the alkali standard can be based on the K2O “carrying capacity” of the slag. The major determinants of the K2O carrying capacity are the basicity of the slag and the slag volume. The K2O carrying capacity is estimated from blast furnace operational data. The elimination of Na2O is adequate as long as the Na2O input is lower than the K2O input. Elimination of alkali with the top gas and dust can occasionally be observed, but is not taken into account for deriving input standards. Verification of the model is carried out by comparing the operating conditions and alkali balances at AHMSA, Mexico, Ternium Siderar, Argentina and Cap/CSH, Chile.

Operational standards for the alkali input in blast furnaces are generally set as the sum of potassium and sodium oxide per ton hot metal. This approach does not take differences in operational conditions nor the distinction between Na2O and K2O into account. In the present paper it is shown, that the alkali standard can be based on the K2O “carrying capacity” of the slag. The major determinants of the K2O carrying capacity are the basicity of the slag and the slag volume. The K2O carrying capacity is estimated from blast furnace operational data. The elimination of Na2O is adequate as long as the Na2O input is lower than the K2O input. Elimination of alkali with the top gas and dust can occasionally be observed, but is not taken into account for deriving input standards. Verification of the model is carried out by comparing the operating conditions and alkali balances at AHMSA, Mexico, Ternium Siderar, Argentina and Cap/CSH, Chile.

Keywords

Blast furnace; Alkali; Sodium; Potassium.

Blast furnace; Alkali; Sodium; Potassium.