Enhancement of BOF productivity through modification of hot metal transfer ladle lining at Durgapur Steel Plant

摘要

Durgapur Steel Plant (DSP), a unit of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), along with Research & Development Centre for Iron and Steel (RDC1S) of SAIL took up a joint project to enhance the heat size of Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) that would enable the shop to increase production. The paper describes the technical approach with details of modifications carried out in hot metal transfer ladle (HMT) lining and its benefits towards achieving higher heat size in converters. Ladle lining pattern was optimized through study of metal jamming and its removal practices. Two experimental HMT ladles were modified with the introduction of Al_2O_3-SiC-C refractories along with provision of insulation keeping in mind the existing EOT crane capacity. Frequency of ladle repair was reduced from every 110 heats to every 153 heats on an average due to less mouth jam and skull formation allowing lower cost, reducing man hour, improving the availability of ladle and ensuring safe operation. The experiment resulted in increase in BOF heat size with a record HMT ladle lining life of 2443 heats. Shop has introduced the modified lining design in all ladles with an aim to enhance BOF productivity.