Advanced Technology Ladle Preheater Research, Development, Field Test and Commercialization Program

摘要

Ladle preheating is one of the most inefficient uses of gas in the iron and steel industry. The best current technology employs an open burner mounted on a refractory wall firing into a ladle, with the exhaust product exiting through the gap between the ladle and the burner wall. Development of a sealed, recuperated firing system would raise the thermal efficiency from approximately 10% for current systems for 60% or better. This improvement would result in reduced fuel costs and shortened heating cycles. The first advanced ladle heater system was developed, fabricated, installed and tested. By using a single burner and metallic recuperator, the system produced 1100F preheated air and heated a 110-ton ladle with a thermal efficiency of 59%. The field test was completed. Over 20 advanced systems have been sold since the successful completion of the field test.