Using a mathematical model of counter-current flow in a blast furnace to evaluate reducibility of iron-ore-bearing raw materials

Abstract

The systematic research of the properties of the ore charge for blast furnaces has been continuing for over 60 years in Czechoslovakia/Czech Republic and since 1971 in the Iron and Steel Institute (ISI) at Dobrá, Czech Republic and later also at Technical University, Ostrava, Czech Republic. Measurements of the main physicochemical characteristics of iron ores, sinter, and pellets have been taken, and equipment has been developed to evaluate reducibility and thermoplastic properties of these materials. Despite the fact that the directly measured parameters of the burden cannot be used for comparing the behavior of different ore charges, attempts have been made for a complex evaluation that would make it possible. The laboratory tests would use these attempts to predict the parameters of the reduction process and the consumption of the reducing agent. In particular, it is important to determine the specific consumption of carbon in the production of hot metal in the blast furnace or in the direct reduction system. In solving this problem, the classic laboratory research is based on sets of laboratory and production data.