Integration of lining and cooling system diagnostics methods into the expert system to reduce hot metal production cost and increase blast furnace productivity

Abstract

Conditions of refractory lining and cooling system are crucial for long campaigns of a blast furnace. The vast experience with blast furnace inspection and reline led the authors to develop a range of diagnostics systems and mathematical models to estimate remaining refractory, stave thickness and accretion formation. Application of these methods and models to prolong blast furnace campaign showed their accuracy and reliability in real operating conditions. Integration of these techniques into blast furnace expert systems in Ukraine and Russia allowed significant fuel savings and an increase in blast furnace productivity.