US 4,047,937 AGranted

Method for controlling the operation of a steel refining converter

AssigneeUnited States Steel Corporation

InventorsWilliam A. Kolb, Pete Vignovich

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Abstract

A method for controlling the operation of a steel refining converter of the type having bottom tuyeres, each tuyere consisting of a center jet surrounded by annulus jets is disclosed. Controls are provided for blowing oxygen through the center jets and a fuel gas, such as propane, through the annulus jets during the refining step. Purging gases, such as nitrogen and compressed air, are blown through the jets during other parts of the steel making process. By means of switching circuits, the flow of each selected set of gases is established before the previously selected set can be cut off, one set of gases is automatically substituted for another if there is a loss of pressure at the tuyeres, nitrogen is substituted for oxygen and fuel if the flow of either of the latter two gases falls below a predetermined value and tilting of the converter to an upright position is prevented unless there is adequate pressure in the tuyeres. The disclosed method ensures that molten metal will not enter or damage the tuyeres thereby preventing severe damage to the equipment and possible hazards to operating personnel.

Claims5

Dependent claims

The method of operating a tiltable steel refining converter of the type having at least one tuyere therein positioned below the molten metal level in the converter, said tuyere consisting of a center jet positioned within an annulus jet, comprising the steps of

a. tilting said converter onto its side,
b. blowing first and second purging gases at a predetermined pressure through the center and annulus jets of said tuyere respectively,
c. placing a charge within said converter,
d. increasing the pressure of the purging gases being blown through said center jets,
e. tilting said converter to an upright position,
f. blowing oxygen and a fuel through said center and annulus jets respectively while continuing to blow said first and second purging gases through said jets,
g. shutting off said first and second purging gases from the jets of said tuyere once the flow of oxygen and fuel has been established until the refining of said charge is completed,
h. blowing said first and second purging gases through said center and annulus jets while continuing to blow oxygen and fuel through said center and annulus jets respectively,
i. shutting off the oxygen and the fuel from the jets of said tuyere once the flow of said first and second purging gases has been established,
j. tilting said converter to an approximately horizontal position,
k. reducing the pressure of the purging gases being blown through said tuyere, and
l. removing the refined steel from said converter.

9 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.