Title

SUCCESSFUL BLOW-IN OF ESSAR STEEL ALGOMA’S BLAST FURNACE 7

SUCCESSFUL BLOW-IN OF ESSAR STEEL ALGOMA’S BLAST FURNACE 7

Authorship

Jones, Lorne; Vanmarrum, Diana; Tuomi, Jonathan; Kuuskman, Peter; Krasavtsev, Alex; Quigley, Kelly; Hyde, J. Barry; Cameron, Ian

Jones, Lorne

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Vanmarrum, Diana

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Tuomi, Jonathan

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Kuuskman, Peter

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Krasavtsev, Alex

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Quigley, Kelly

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Hyde, J. Barry

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Cameron, Ian

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DOI

10.5151/2594-357x-0137

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Abstract

In July 2007, Essar Steel Algoma shut down its only operating blast furnace, BF7 for a planned replacement of the furnace lining. As a single blast furnace plant, the entire steel works was idled awaiting the completion of the repair stop and successful blow-in. To reduce the associated business risk, Essar Steel Algoma and Hatch performed a detailed evaluation of blow-in options, benchmarked these against known blow-in procedures and finalized a blow-in plan well in advance of the furnace shutdown. The final blow-in plan was faster than previous experienced and aimed to produce hot metal of acceptable quality for steelmaking within 50h after wind was put on the furnace. Blast Furnace 7 was blown-in on August 23, 2007 and resumed normal operations at an accelerated rate. In-spite of two unplanned stops, the furnace produced usable hot metal within 75h from wind on. Regular steel plant operations resumed quickly as the blast furnace ramped-up to its normal production rate. This paper describes the blow-in methodology and safeguards taken to assure a successful start-up. The blow-in method selected, burdening options developed, contingency plans set in place and actual results are presented.

In July 2007, Essar Steel Algoma shut down its only operating blast furnace, BF7 for a planned replacement of the furnace lining. As a single blast furnace plant, the entire steel works was idled awaiting the completion of the repair stop and successful blow-in. To reduce the associated business risk, Essar Steel Algoma and Hatch performed a detailed evaluation of blow-in options, benchmarked these against known blow-in procedures and finalized a blow-in plan well in advance of the furnace shutdown. The final blow-in plan was faster than previous experienced and aimed to produce hot metal of acceptable quality for steelmaking within 50h after wind was put on the furnace. Blast Furnace 7 was blown-in on August 23, 2007 and resumed normal operations at an accelerated rate. In-spite of two unplanned stops, the furnace produced usable hot metal within 75h from wind on. Regular steel plant operations resumed quickly as the blast furnace ramped-up to its normal production rate. This paper describes the blow-in methodology and safeguards taken to assure a successful start-up. The blow-in method selected, burdening options developed, contingency plans set in place and actual results are presented.

Keywords

Blast furnace; Blow-in; Preparation; Burdening; Production ramp-up.

Blast furnace; Blow-in; Preparation; Burdening; Production ramp-up.