Nature of dust and smoke generation during gas-oxygen blasting in converter bath

Abstract

The article presents the study of the nature of dust and smoke generation during gas-oxygen blasting of a converter bath. The main reasons causing metal waste have been determined. Influence of the process main parameters on metal loss has been studied during dust removal and evaporation of iron in the reaction zone. The authors have estimated the process of metal pulverization due to CO bubbles floating, determined by the rate of their rise to the bath surface. Specifics of temperature regime of the reaction zone and heat balance have been determined when adding fuel to the oxygen flow. Adding fuel to oxygen makes it possible to increase heat input into the bath, while reducing the rate of decarburization. This enables reduction of dust discharge during rupture and crush of metal films by gas bubbles. The effect of combustion products oxygen use on metal impurities oxidation is considered. By the example of blasting carbon and alloyed steel for mill rolls, it has been shown that the degrees of CO₂ and H₂O decomposition in the bath are the main qualities of gas-oxygen blasting. These indicators determine the oxidizing and heating properties of the blast. Assessment of change in total, consumed heat and its losses with exhaust gases, depending on degree of the oxygen flow dilution with natural gas (methane), has been carried out. Under these conditions, use of submersible combustion torches with change in their oxidizing ability makes it possible to solve various technological tasks, including provision of an effective way to reduce dust emission in converter process.