Effectiveness of Using High Gas Pressure in a Blast Furnace as a Means of Intensifying the Smelting Operation

This article refutes theoretical arguments that it is inexpedient to increase gas pressure in a blast furnace as a means of intensifying the smelting operation. The intensifying effect of higher gas pressure has been proven by the results obtained on three blast furnaces at the Novolipetsk Metallurgical Combine. The productivity of these furnaces increases by 0.7–1.2% for each 1% rise in top-gas pressure within the range 38–40%. It has been established that the increase in productivity is accompanied by an increase in head loss for the furnace as a whole. Head losses also increase by a ratio of 0.8:0.2 in the top and bottom of the stock, respectively.