Optimized Blast Furnace Process, Optimized Utilization of Capacity
In an integrated steel plant, Blast Furnace production is reduced when the BOF plant is unable to accept the full hot metal supply. Imposing fluctuations on the furnace’s output is detrimental for process stability and general performance of the furnace.
Without having these fluctuations, the Blast Furnace can be operated at a lower coke rate. The process can be further optimized, such as through elevated levels of auxiliary fuel injection and oxygen enrichment in the blast.
Several options are available for processing excess hot metal in cases of overcapacity or downstream disturbances. Granshot® iron granulation, developed in the 1970’s and proven in pig iron production and ferro–alloy industries, is the optimum choice.
The process is straightforward. Granules are solidified iron droplets, that are cooled in water. Granulated Pig Iron or GPI® can be stored to replace pigs, scrap or HBI in the BOF or alternatively, be fed back into the Blast Furnace to increase hot metal production when required, or it can be sold to the world market. Further processing of the granules is easy (e.g. no crushing required) and the Granshot® units are flexible with very short start–up times. They can even be used to process liquid steel in case of caster failure.
Compared to traditional pig iron casting in machines or sand beds, the Granshot® process has clear advantages, of which health, safety and environmental performance are the most important. Moreover, it is a financially attractive investment.
Without having these fluctuations, the Blast Furnace can be operated at a lower coke rate. The process can be further optimized, such as through elevated levels of auxiliary fuel injection and oxygen enrichment in the blast.
Several options are available for processing excess hot metal in cases of overcapacity or downstream disturbances. Granshot® iron granulation, developed in the 1970’s and proven in pig iron production and ferro–alloy industries, is the optimum choice.
The process is straightforward. Granules are solidified iron droplets, that are cooled in water. Granulated Pig Iron or GPI® can be stored to replace pigs, scrap or HBI in the BOF or alternatively, be fed back into the Blast Furnace to increase hot metal production when required, or it can be sold to the world market. Further processing of the granules is easy (e.g. no crushing required) and the Granshot® units are flexible with very short start–up times. They can even be used to process liquid steel in case of caster failure.
Compared to traditional pig iron casting in machines or sand beds, the Granshot® process has clear advantages, of which health, safety and environmental performance are the most important. Moreover, it is a financially attractive investment.
