Flow conditions and wear in blast furnace hearths

Hearth life isa decisive factor for the economic efficiency of the blast fu rnace process and the production of hot metal as it has a prominent influen ce on the duration of blast furnace campaigns. Different lining concepts ar e explained and evaluated, and several important findings from research on the topic of flow conditions and wear in blast furnace hearths are discusse d. Hearth wear was the subject of direct simulation in a physical model develo ped by Betriebsforschungsinstitut, and was compared with the wear profile o f a selected blast furnace currently operating at Thyssen Krupp Stahl AG. T he influence of different parameters on the flow conditions in the hearth a nd on hearth drainage were additionally examined by mathematical simulation . The physical conditions in blast furnace hearths have hereby become more understandable. With due consideration given to operating data and experien ce, it can be said that the use of simulation methods constitutes a suitabl e means for developing specific operational measures with a view to enhanci ng the tapping technique and prolonging the hearth life.