Extending the Campaign Life of an Intensively Operating Blast Furnace

Abstract

Using coke with high strength after reaction in NLMK blast furnaces retarded refractory wear and intensified the process. Systematic nondestructive testing of refractory lining performed by Hatch Ltd. using the patented acousto ultrasonic-echo (AU-E) technique is another measure taken by the NLMK to ensure the safe operation and long campaign life of blast furnaces. AU-E measurements and thermocouple readings are used to develop preventive measures for protecting the refractory lining by charging shungite and titanium-containing materials. These measures allow reliable intensive operation of blast furnaces even at the end of a campaign life longer than 20 years.