Application of the automatic scanning system for detection of the real burden distribution at the blast furnace

Monitoring of the process inside of a blast furnace is essential for a most efficient operation. The gas flow is generally controlled by means of the burden distribution. Without any measuring equipment it is possible to appl y certain burden distribution models just based on the charging program. Th ese models only show theory, not reality Based on the results of a profilem eter a real layer model can be calculated. It is used for visualizing the c oke to ore ratio and optimization of the furnace operation. The profilemete r results still do not consider disturbing effects like segregation, penetr ation and roll-off-behaviour of the charged material. These effects and the real coke distribution inside the furnace can now be measured based on a n ewly developed probe technology. The automatic scanning system has been app lied on several furnaces in Russia. It is now installed and in practical op eration at the modern blast furnace No. 5A of Eko Stahl, Eisenhuttenstadt. An in-burden probe is equipped with such a sensor. This paper describes the experiences gathered with this automatic scanning probe for detection of c oke and ore in the furnace shaft. The results of the system are shown, whic h also can be used for optimization of burden distribution models.