TAPHOLE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AT LAKE ERIE STEEL COMPANY

摘要

Lake Erie Steel is located on the north shore of Lake Erie, approximately 60 km south of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The #1 Blast Furnace averages 5200 metric tons of iron per day with 24 tuyeres and 2 tapholes. Proper taphole practices directly affect the productivity and efficiency of the Blast Furnace, which is the reason for the dedicated efforts in improving this area of operation. This paper focuses on the taphole management practices that were investigated and integrated into the daily operation of the furnace. The topics include the modifications to the taphole drills, the auxiliary equipment of the clayguns, the taphole clays used, and the monitoring of the taphole. The operating techniques for drilling the taphole, maintaining a good iron flow, and plugging the taphole are also discussed.