| Abstract: | In researching development of a high productivity converter, a six-ton Peirce-Smith converter with six tuyeres was constructed. The apparent speeds of a blast and an oxygen-enriched blast through the tuyeres were tested from MACH (MN) 0.3 to 2.5. It was found that at a speed of more than MN 1.0, tuyere blockage no longer occurs. Consequently, accretions around the tip of the tuyere did not disturb blowing, eliminating the need for punching. The life of the refractory around the tuyere zone was triple that experienced with a normal blast speed. But even with high speed blowing, refractory erosion remained severe when using oxygen enrichment in excess of 40%. This high speed blowing technique also caused an increase of splash from the converter mouth. Oxygen efficiency was, however, kept at a high level. |
