Stove-front quenching of blast furnace slag Treatment
FURNACE FRONT QUENCHING IN BLAST FURNACE SLAG TREATMENT
The process of treating the slag from a blast furnace has long been a problem for iron and steel industry. Recently, the process of furnace-front quenching has gained attention as an attractive alternative to traditional slag treatment methods. This process involves quenching the molten slag from the furnace using a large cooling fan that operates from the front of the furnace. The slag is cooled quickly and solidified in a short period of time, reducing the amount of energy used in the process and thus reducing the cost of slag treatment.
The process of furnace-front quenching begins by inserting a cooling fan in the front of the furnace. The fan is then turned on, allowing cooled air to be drawn from outside the furnace. This cooling air passes through the furnace, cooling the molten slag as it travels. As the slag cools, its viscosity decreases and it solidifies into a finer and more uniform particle size. The fan is then shut off, allowing the slag to completely cool off.
The process of furnace-front quenching is advantageous due to its high rate of cooling and thus, short overall cycle time. In addition, the process requires fewer energy inputs and is simpler to operate compared to traditional slag cooling methods. Moreover, the slag produced is of a finer and more uniform size which makes it easier to store and transport. Furthermore, due to the fast cooling process of furnace-front quenching, metal oxides which form on the surface of the slag are prevented from crystallizing, thus increasing its economic value.
The process of furnace-front quenching has been successfully implemented at several steel mills and foundries. Its ability to reduce energy costs and generate a uniform and high quality slag is attractive to steelmakers who want to improve their productivity. Furthermore, the process produces a slag that is easy to handle during the manufacturing and shipping processes, reducing the costs of storing and transporting the slag.
In conclusion, furnace-front quenching is an attractive option for the slag treatment process in the iron and steel industry. Its ability to reduce energy costs, generate uniform and high quality slag, and improve the overall process are attractive to many steelmakers. As the technology advances, it is likely that furnace-front quenching will become even more widely used in the industry. By adopting this process, steelmakers can reduce their energy and labor costs and improve their overall productivity.
