Influence of operational parameters on hot metal temperature in Corex process

In the production practice of Corex C-3000 at Baosteel, hot metal temperature varies greatly and it is often found that changes in silicon content and hot metal temperature do not match each other. In this paper, the key factors influencing hot metal temperature were analysed by statistical analysis of the relationship between hot metal temperature and 18 operational parameters, in order to find the way to reduce the fluctuation of hot metal temperature. The result shows that the most important factors affecting hot metal temperature are the hot metal composition, especially carbon content, followed by the burden structure and metallisation of the direct reduced iron from the reduction shaft. In addition, hot metal temperature was related to the flux amount charged into the melter gasifier, slag properties, the tapping process, etc. The statistical model to predict hot metal temperature was obtained by multiple regressions based on the understanding of the operational parameters affecting the hot metal temperature. The analysis indicates that the carbon content in the hot metal is more reliable and sensitive as the indicator of hot metal temperature than silicon content in the Corex C-3000 process. From an operational point of view, any measure which can improve burden permeability or improve carburisation condition under dripping zone will be helpful for stabilising hot metal temperature.