Inert gas blowing technology in steelmaking
Abstract
This paper studies the development, application and principle of inert gas blowing technology in steelmaking, and reviews its effect on increasing the efficiency and environmental performance of steelmaking. It is believed that inert gas blowing technology in steelmaking can be further developed to improve steel quality and to promote environmental protection.
1 Introduction
Steel is one of the most important materials in modern industry and its production usually involves high-temperature processes and expenses with the use of fossil fuels that can produce hazardous gases, dust and other pollutants. Therefore, enhancing the energy efficiency and reducing the environmental impacts of steel production have become important goals for steelmakers. Inert gas blowing technology provides an efficient and environmentally-friendly method of increasing the production efficiency and improving the quality of steel.
2 Development and Application of Inert Gas Blowing Technology in Steelmaking
In the steelmaking process, the prolonged contact of steel with oxygen or other combustible components can lead to oxidation, decarbonization and reduction of steel. In order to reduce this problem, companies began to use inert gas blowing technology in steelmaking. This technology uses blasting argon gas with liquid steel in the steelmaking process, which prevents oxidation and decarbonization while increasing yield and reducing emissions.
The application of inert gas blowing technology in steelmaking can be divided into two parts. The first is to reduce oxidation in steel and improve the quality of steel. The most successful applications are in the production of flat and strip steels. In this, argon gas is injected into the bottom of the converters to prevent the reaction between oxygen, iron, and other elements. This can significantly reduce oxidation of steel and improve its quality. The second application is to improve the overall efficiency of steelmaking by optimizing the mixing between different components in steel. This can be achieved by injecting nitrogen or argon gas into the steel during mixing, which can increase the mixing rate and increase yield.
3 Principle of Inert Gas Blowing Technology in Steelmaking
Inert gas blowing technology in steelmaking relies on the physical and chemical properties of inert gases such as nitrogen and argon. The low reactivity of these gases ensures that their presence in the steelmaking process does not directly affect the reactions between elements. On the other hand, their large molar mass and low thermal conduction ensure that the heat generated by the reactions is drawn away from the steel, which prevents oxidation and decarbonization. In addition, these gases affect the convection in the steelmaking process which can be used to improve the efficiency of the mixing reaction between components in steel.
4 Evaluation of Inert Gas Blowing Technology
The application of inert gas blowing technology in steelmaking has brought many advantages to the steelmaking industry. Due to the low reactivity of inert gases, they can be safely used in the steelmaking process to reduce oxidation and decarbonization. The convective effects generated by the inert gases can also be used to increase the speed and efficiency of the mixing process. In addition, the application of this technology can also significantly reduce the consumption of fossil fuels in steelmaking and reduce the amount of hazardous gases and dust produced by the steelmaking process.
5 Conclusion
Inert gas blowing technology provides a safe, efficient and environmentally-friendly way of improving the quality and efficiency of steelmaking processes. Furthermore, this technology can reduce the consumption of energy and emissions from the steelmaking process. With further development, the application of inert gas blowing technology in steelmaking is expected to be further improved to produce higher quality and more efficient steel products.
