PROBLEMS OF COKE SAVING IN BLAST-FURNACES AND CONVERSION TO COKELESS PRODUCTION OF METAL

Methods of lowering blast furnace coke rates, such as reducing process heat requirements, introducing additional heat into the furnace, and injecting reducing agents coupled with blast oxygen enrichment, are co nsidered. It is concluded that, under the best conditions, coke rates considerably lower than those currently achieved on the best furnaces should be possible, especially with injection of hot reducing gases. T he use of pulverised coal in a special plant consisting of a stack and hearth is discussed in detail and compared with the corresponding bla st furnace process. The financial aspects of coke rate reductions and the ecological effects are touched on.