Development of a Simulation Model for Burden Distribution at Blast Furnace Top

Abstract

A simulation model for the burden distribution at a blast furnace top was developed. In addition to the static deposit angle, the following factors which have strong effect on the burden distribution were considered in the model.
1) Mixed layer formation in the furnace center during ore dumping
2) Decrease of burden deposit angle by gas flow
3) Change of burden deposit angle by the velocity distribution of burden descent in the radial direction
For the quantitative evaluation of these effects the mixed layer measurement by the use of a magnetometer during furnace fillings and the measurement of the change in deposit angle with gas flow by the use of a 1/2 scale cold model were performed. As a result, the increase in coke layer thickness in the furnace center (ΔL_c) is expressed by the following experimental equation through the use of “formation energy of mixed layer” (E_M). ΔL_c=3.49×10^-4×E_M-136
Among factors mentioned above, the mixed layer formation was confirmed by the model to have the most significant effect on the burden distribution.