Carburizing performance and kinetics of carbon sources in blast furnace hearth

It is of great significance to improve the carbon saturation of molten iron which weakens the erosion of sidewall carbon bricks, so as to realize the hearth longevity. Carburizing properties of various carbon sources in molten iron by static method was systematically investigated. The apparent reaction rate constant K of samples was calculated. The results show that the carburizing properties of different carbon sources from strong to weak are NMA carbon brick > carbon rod > pulverized coal > coke > 9RDN carbon brick. The carburizing performance of carbon sources decreases with the increase in its graphitization degree. Ash has a negative effect on the carburizing performance of carbon sources, but ash in the form of agglomerated large particles cannot weaken the carburizing performance of carbon sources. The Al2O3 phase can obviously degrade the carburizing performance of carbon sources. The 9RDN carbon bricks with low carburizing properties can be adapted to more complex furnace conditions. The carburizing properties of pulverized coal and coke are relatively weak. When the pulverized coal and coke powder formed in the tuyere raceway enter the hearth, the porosity of the deadman will be reduced, resulting in hearth inactivity and frequent fluctuation of furnace condition, and it is not conducive to the carburization of the deadman. Therefore, it is necessary to properly improve the coke particle size and increase the air volume for weakening the negative effects of unburned coal powder and coke powder on the longevity of the hearth sidewall carbon bricks.