Hybrid model for BOF oxygen blowing time prediction based on oxygen balance mechanism and deep neural network

The amount of oxygen blown into the converter is one of the key parameters for the control of the converter blowing process,which directly affects the tap-to-tap time of converter. In this study, a hybrid model based on oxygen balance mechanism (OBM) and deep neural network (DNN) was established for predicting oxygen blowing time in converter. A three-step method was utilized in the hybrid model. First, the oxygen consumption volume was predicted by the OBM model and DNN model, respectively. Second, a more accurate oxygen consumption volume was obtained by integrating the OBM model and DNN model. Finally, the converter oxygen blowing time was calculated according to the oxygen consumption volume and the oxygen supply intensity of each heat. The proposed hybrid model was verified using the actual data collected from an integrated steel plant in China, and compared with multiple linear regression model, OBM model, and neural network model including extreme learning machine, back propagation neural network, and DNN. The test results indicate that the hybrid model with a network structure of 3 hidden layer layers, 32-16-8 neurons per hidden layer, and 0.1 learning rate has the best prediction accuracy and stronger generalization ability compared with other models. The predicted hit ratio of oxygen consumption volume within the error±300 m^(3)is 96.67%;determination coefficient (R^(2)) and root mean square error (RMSE) are0.6984 and 150.03 m^(3), respectively. The oxygen blow time prediction hit ratio within the error±0.6 min is 89.50%;R2and RMSE are0.9486 and 0.3592 min, respectively. As a result, the proposed model can effectively predict the oxygen consumption volume and oxygen blowing time in the converter.

Exploration and Practice of Nitrogen Addition Process for LF Refining Ladle Bottom Blowing Nitrogen Steel Liquid

This article discusses and analyzes the law of nitrogen increase in liquid steel and the main factors affect-ing the nitrogen increasing of molten steel,through the way of adding nitrogen to molten steel by bottom blowing nitrogen gas in LF refining process.It is considered that the main factors affecting the nitrogen increasing instability of molten steel are the initial temperature of LF refining,nitrogen relative element,surface active elements[O]and[S]of steel liquid,and bottom blowing rate of ladle.The large-scale production practice shows that T[O]not more than 50×10-6 and[S]is not more than 0.020 in LF refining at the initial temperature of not less than 1570.The liquid steel nitrogen enrichment test is carried out by ladle bottom blowing nitrogen gas after 20 min of refining,the flow rate is set as(6.0~7.0)NL/min per ton,and it is turned to 2 NL/min at 6 min before the end of refining,the nitrogen increasing rate of liquid steel is basically stable at(5~6)×10-6 per minute.

Effect of gas blowing nozzle angle on multiphase flow and mass transfer during RH refining process

A three-dimensional mathematical model was developed to investigate the effect of gas blowing nozzle angles on multiphase flow,circulation flow rate,and mixing time during Ruhrstahl-Heraeus(RH) refining process.Also,a water model with a geometric scale of 1:4 from an industrial RH furnace of 260 t was built up,and measurements were carried out to validate the mathematical model.The results show that,with a conventional gas blowing nozzle and the total gas flow rate of 40 L·min^(-1),the mixing time predicted by the mathematical model agrees well with the measured values.The deviations between the model predictions and the measured values are in the range of about 1.3%–7.3% at the selected three monitoring locations,where the mixing time was defined as the required time when the dimensionless concentration is within 3% deviation from the bath averaged value.In addition,the circulation flow rate was 9 kg·s^(-1).When the gas blowing nozzle was horizontally rotated by either 30° or 45°,the circulation flow rate was found to be increased by about 15% compared to a conventional nozzle,due to the rotational flow formed in the up-snorkel.Furthermore,the mixing time at the monitoring point 1,2,and 3 was shortened by around 21.3%,28.2%,and 12.3%,respectively.With the nozzle angle of 30° and 45°,the averaged residence time of 128 bubbles in liquid was increased by around 33.3%.

Utilization of Basalt Saw Mud as a Spherical Porous Functional Aggregate for the Preparation of Ordinary Structure Concrete

To promote the production and application of artificial aggregates,save natural sand resources and protect the ecological environment,we evaluated the feasibility of using spherical porous functional aggregates(SPFAs) formed by basalt saw mud under autoclave curing in ordinary structural concrete.In our work,two types of prewetted functional aggregates were taken as replacements for natural aggregates with different volume substitution rates(0%,5%,10%,15%,20%,25%,and 30%) in the preparation of ordinary structural concrete with water-to-binder ratios(W/B) of 0.48 and 0.33.The effects of the functional aggregate properties and content,W/B,and curing age on the fluidity,density,mechanical properties and autogenous shrinkage of ordinary concrete were analyzed.The experimental results showed that the density of concrete declined at a rate of not more than 5%,and the 28 d compressive strength could reach 31.0-68.2 MPa.Low W/B,long curing age and high-quality functional aggregates were conducive to enhancing the mechanical properties of SPFAs concrete.Through the rolling effects,SPFAs can optimize the particle gradation of aggregate systems and improve the fluidity of concrete,and the water stored inside SPFAs provides an internal curing effect,which prolongs the cement hydration process and considerably reduces the autogenous shrinkage of concrete.SPFAs exhibits high strength and high density,as well as being more cost-effective and ecological,and is expected to be widely employed in ordinary structural concrete.

Eco-friendly physical blowing agent mass loss of bio-based polyurethane rigid foam materials

Through systematical experiment design, the physical blowing agent(PBA) mass loss of bio-based polyurethane rigid foam(PURF)in the foaming process was measured and calculated in this study, and different eco-friendly PBA mass losses were measured quantitatively for the first time. The core of the proposed method is to add water to replace the difference, and this method has a high fault tolerance rate for different foaming forms of foams. The method was proved to be stable and reliable through the standard deviations σ1and σ2for R1(ratio of the PBA mass loss to the material total mass except the PBA) and R2(ratio of the PBA mass loss to the PBA mass in the material total mass) in parallel experiments. It can be used to measure and calculate the actual PBA mass loss in the foaming process of both bio-based and petroleumbased PURF. The results show that the PBA mass loss in PURF with different PBA systems is controlled by its initial mass content of PBA in PU materials ω. The main way for PBA to dissipate into the air is evaporation/escape along the upper surface of foam. This study further reveals the mechanism of PBA mass loss: the evaporation/escape of PBA along the upper surface of foam is a typical diffusion behavior. Its spread power comes from the difference between the chemical potential of PBA in the interface layer and that in the outside air. For a certain PURF system, R1has approximately linear relationship with the initial mass content of PBA in PU materials ω, which can be expressed by the functional relationship R1= kω, where k is a variable related to PBA’s own attributes.

Solidification/Stabilization of Chromium in Red Mud-based Geopolymer

Up to 1.5wt%of Cr(Ⅲ)salts(CrCl_(3),and Cr_(2)O_(3))and Cr(Ⅵ)salts(Na_(2)CrO_(4),and CaCr_(2)O_(7))were incorporated into red mud-based geopolymers,respectively.The solidification/stabilization,compressive strength,and durability of the Cr-containing geopolymers were investigated.The experimental results indicate that the red mud-based geopolymer could effectively solidify/stabilize different types of Cr salts with solidification/stabilization rates of above 99.61%.Geopolymers are environmentally safe when the dosage of CaCr_(2)O_(7)is≤1.0wt%,or the dosage of CrCl_(3),Cr_(2)O_(3),and Na_(2)CrO_(4)is≤1.5wt%,respectively.The effects of Cr salts on the compressive strength varies with the type and content of Cr salts.The freeze-thaw cycle is more destructive to geopolymer properties than sulfate attack or acid rain erosion.The solidification/stabilization of Cr is mainly attributed to the following reasons:a)The chemical binding of Cr is related to the formation of Cr-containing hydrates(eg,magnesiochromite((Mg,Fe)(Cr,Al)_(2)O_(4)))and doping into N-A-S-H gel and C-A-S-H gel framework;b)The physical effect is related to the encapsulation by the hydration products(e g,N-A-S-H gel and C-A-S-H gel).This study provides a reference for the treatment of hazardous Cr-containing wastes by solid waste-based geopolymers.

Machine learning for carbonate formation drilling: Mud loss prediction using seismic attributes and mud loss records

Due to the complexity and variability of carbonate formation leakage zones, lost circulation prediction and control is one of the major challenges of carbonate drilling. It raises well-control risks and production expenses. This research utilizes the H oilfield as an example, employs seismic features to analyze mud loss prediction, and produces a complete set of pre-drilling mud loss prediction solutions. Firstly, 16seismic attributes are calculated based on the post-stack seismic data, and the mud loss rate per unit footage is specified. The sample set is constructed by extracting each attribute from the seismic trace surrounding 15 typical wells, with a ratio of 8:2 between the training set and the test set. With the calibration results for mud loss rate per unit footage, the nonlinear mapping relationship between seismic attributes and mud loss rate per unit size is established using the mixed density network model.Then, the influence of the number of sub-Gausses and the uncertainty coefficient on the model's prediction is evaluated. Finally, the model is used in conjunction with downhole drilling conditions to assess the risk of mud loss in various layers and along the wellbore trajectory. The study demonstrates that the mean relative errors of the model for training data and test data are 6.9% and 7.5%, respectively, and that R2is 90% and 88%, respectively, for training data and test data. The accuracy and efficacy of mud loss prediction may be greatly enhanced by combining 16 seismic attributes with the mud loss rate per unit footage and applying machine learning methods. The mud loss prediction model based on the MDN model can not only predict the mud loss rate but also objectively evaluate the prediction based on the quality of the data and the model.

Synergistic CO_(2) mineralization using coal fly ash and red mud as a composite system

CO_(2) mineralization plays a critical role in the storage and utilization of CO_(2).Coal fly ash(CFA)and red mud(RM)are widely utilized as CO_(2) mineralizers.However,the inert calcium species in CFA limit its carbonation capacity,meanwhile the substantial Ca^(2+)releasing of RM is hindered by a covering layer of calcium carbonate.In this study,CO_(2) mineralization in a composite system of CFA and RM was investigated to enhance the carbonation capacity.Multiple analyzers were employed to characterize the raw materials and resulting mineralization products.The results demonstrated that a synergistic effect existed in the composite system of CFA and RM,resulting in improving CO_(2) mineralization rate and efficiency.The produced calcium carbonate was ectopically attached the surface of CFA in the composite system,thus slowing down its coverage on the surface of RM.This phenomenon facilitated further releasing Ca^(2+)from the internal RM,thereby enhancing CO_(2) mineralization efficiency.Meanwhile,the inclusion of RM significantly improved the alkalinity of the composite system,which not only promoted the dissolution of Ca^(2+)of the inert CaSO_(4)(H_(2)O)_(2) in CFA,but also accelerated CO_(2) mineralization rate.The investigation would be beneficial to CO_(2) mineralization using industrial solid wastes.

Analysis of Calcined Red Mud Properties and Related Mortar Performances

Red mud(RM)is a low-activity industrial solid waste,and its utilization as a resource is currently a hot topic.In this study,the micro characteristics of red mud at different calcination temperatures were analyzed using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy.The performance of calcined red mud was determined through mortar strength tests.Results indicate that high-temperature calcination can change the mineral composition and microstructure of red mud,and increase the surface roughness and specific surface area.At the optimal temperature of 700°C,the addition of calcined red mud still leads to a decrease in mortar strength,but its activity index and flexural coefficient increase by 16.2%and 11.9%with respect to uncalcined red mud,reaching values of 0.826 and 0.974,respectively.Compared with the control group,the synergistic activation of calcined red mud with slag can increase the compressive and flexural strength of the mortar by 12.9%and 1.5%,reaching 8.7 and 62.4 MPa,respectively.Correspondingly,the activity index and flexural coefficient of the calcined RM and GGBS(Ground Granulated Blast furnace Slag)mixtures also increase to 1.015 and 1.130,respectively.

Response and assembly of abundant and rare taxa in Zaopei under different combination patterns of Daqu and pit mud:from microbial ecology to Baijiu brewing microecosystem

The quality and aroma of strong-flavor Baijiu are mainly dependent on Daqu,pit mud(PM),and the interaction of both.However,little is known about how their combination patterns affect the microbiome and metabolome of Zaopei,especially the metabolic function of rare taxa.Here,an experiment on industrial size was designed to assess the effects of 6 combinations(3 kinds of Daqu×2 kinds of PM)on the composition and assembly of different taxa,as well as the flavor profile.The results showed that Zaopei's microbiota was composed of a few abundant taxa and enormous rare taxa,and rare bacterial and abundant fungal subcommunities were significantly affected by combination patterns.The assembly processes of abundant/rare taxa and bacterial/fungal communities were distinct,and environmental changes mediated the balance between stochastic and deterministic processes in rare bacteria assembly.Furthermore,specific combination patterns improved the flavor quality of Zaopei by enhancing the interspecies interaction,which was closely related to rare taxa,especially rare bacteria.These findings highlighted that rare bacteria might be the keystone in involving community interaction and maintaining metabolic function,which provided a scientific foundation for better understanding and regulating the brewing microbiota from the viewpoint of microbial ecology.

Formulating Dead Sea Mud in Cosmetic Products, Its Effects on Skin, and the Underlying Biological Mechanism: A Review

Research Background: The marketing of cosmetic products derived from Dead Sea (DS) mud has undergone significant evolution, transforming from simple souvenirs into a large-scale cosmetic industry offering a diverse array of products. DS mud is utilized both as pure mud for home spa treatments and as an active ingredient in cosmetic and cosmeceutical formulations. Its global appeal is largely due to its natural, health-oriented image, which aligns with consumer preferences and provides assurance regarding its use in skincare. Research Objectives: This review examines the published data related to the rationale for formulating DS mud in cosmetics, the biological and cosmetic effects of DS mud on the skin, and the speculated bio-mechanisms underlying these effects. Methods: We screened relevant literature on DS mud collected from the shores of the Dead Sea in Jordan and Israel. Publications on mineral muds excavated in different locations around the globe, as well as studies on the biological mechanisms of other DS minerals, were also reviewed as indications and supportive recommendations. Summarizing the vast collected data into a comprehensive review was undertaken to expose readers to the various aspects of DS mud in cosmetics. Results: The primary reason for formulating DS mud in skincare products is its deep cleansing and skin detoxification properties. Consequently, it is often incorporated into rinse-off masks, soaps, and scrubbing products. Additionally, DS mud is used in leave-on products and sheet masks. Cosmeceutical applications of DS mud, recommended for various skin conditions, offer complementary treatments to improve the quality of life for people with skin diseases. The physicochemical and biological effects of DS mud are driven by its rich mineral ion composition, including magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium, zinc, and strontium—elements known to improve skin barrier function, enhance hydration, and reduce inflammation. The high salt concentration induces moderate ionic osmotic stress, stimulating cellular growth and hydration pathways. Moreover, DS mud’s anti-microbial properties further contribute to its therapeutic potential. Ongoing innovations in formulation techniques continue to expand the applications of DS mud, including blending it with other active ingredients, developing novel application methods, and refining manufacturing processes to improve product quality and efficacy. Conclusions: DS mud remains a valuable ingredient in modern skincare due to its rich mineral content and therapeutic properties. Ongoing research and technological advancements promise further innovations, reinforcing its status as a natural and effective component in the global cosmetics industry.

Real-Time Fracture Aperture Identification Using Mud Loss Data and Solution for LCM Combination

Managing server lost circulation is a major challenge of drilling operation in naturally fractured formations and it causes much nonproductive rig time. When encountered with loss, the fracture aperture intersecting the wellbore is not well-identified in time, which has a significant impact on the decision of drilling operation and the undesired result of loss curing. Therefore, the onset of fracture is identified in a timely manner and evaluated comprehensively to formulate an appropriate strategy over time. However, the mud loss date, which is the primary source of information retrieved from the drilling process, was not properly used in real-time prediction of fracture aperture. This article provides a detailed mathematical study to discuss the mechanism of mud invasion in the near-wellbore region and prediction of fracture aperture. The fracture aperture can be calculated from mud-loss data by solving a cubic equation with input parameters given by the well radius, the overpressure ratio, and the maximum mud-loss volume. It permits the proper selection of loss-circulation material (LCM) with respect to particle size distribution and fiber usage. The case study illustrates the applicability of this methodology with a discussion on LCM particle distribution in different scenarios and the result demonstrates the outcome of inappropriate LCM usage and the advantages of the novel fiber-based LCM treatment.

Thermodynamic behavior and morphology of impurities in metallurgical grade silicon in process of O_2 blowing

Gas blowing is a valid method to remove the impurities from metallurgical grade silicon（MG-Si） melt.The thermodynamic behavior of impurities Fe,Al,Ca,Ti,Cu,C,B and P in MG-Si was studied in the process of O2 blowing.The removal efficiencies of impurities in MG-Si were investigated using O2 blowing in ladle.It is found that the removal efficiencies are higher than 90% for Ca and Al and nearly 50% for B and Ti.The morphology of inclusions was analyzed and the phases Al3Ni,NiSi2 and Al3Ni were confirmed in MG-Si by X-ray diffraction.It was found that SiB4 exists in Si？B binary system.The chemical composition of inclusions in MG-Si before and after refining was analyzed by SEM-EDS.It is found that the amount of white inclusion reduces for the removal of most Al and Ca in the forms of molten slag inclusion and the contents of Fe,Ni and Mn in inclusion increase for their inertia in silicon melt with O2 blowing.

Water modeling of molten steel flow in a multi-strand tundish with gas blowing

Fluid flow characteristics in a four-strand tundish with gas blowing were studied by water modeling experiments.It is found that gas blowing can greatly improve the flow characteristics in the tundish with a turbulence inhibitor.It dramatically increases the peak concentration time,and greatly decreases the dead volume,and reduces the minimum residence time.The gas blowing location,gas flow rate,and porous plug area greatly influence the flow characteristics in the tundish; the gas blowing location near the baffle,smaller gas flow rate,and smaller porous plug area are better for improving the fluid flow characteristics.Using gas blowing can reduce the difference of flows at the middle outlets and side outlets for the multi-strand tundish.Bubbles produced by gas blowing can absorb small inclusions and provide the condition for inclusion collision and aggregation.Therefore,introducing gas blowing into a tundish and combining the turbulence inhibitor can improve inclusion floating and removal,and the cleanness of molten steel can be advanced.

VOLUMETRIC MASS TRANSFER COEFFICIENT BETWEEN SLAG AND METAL IN COMBINED BLOWING CONVERTER

The effects of operation parameters of combined blowing converter on the volumetric mass transfer coefficient between slag and steel are studied with a cold model with water simulating steel, oil simulating slag and benzoic acid as the transferred substance between water and oil. The results show that, with lance level of 2.1m and the top blowing rate of 25000Nm3/h, the volumetric mass transfer coefficient changes most significantly when the bottom blowing rate ranges from 384 to 540Nm3/h. The volumetric mass transfer coefficient reaches its maximum when the lance level is 2.1m, the top blowing rates is 30000Nm3/h, and the bottom blowing rate is 384Nm3/h with tuyeres located symmetrically at 0.66D of the converter bottom.

Self-sustained Oscillation Pulsed Air Blowing System for Energy Saving

Currently, many studies have been made for years on dimensions of pneumatic nozzle, which influence the flow characteristic of blowing system. For the purpose of outputting the same blowing force, the supply pressure could be reduced by decreasing the ratio of length to diameter of nozzle. The friction between high speed air and pipe wall would be reduced if the nozzle is designed to be converging shape comparing with straight shape. But the volume flow and pressure, discussed in these studies, do not describe energy loss of the blowing system directly. Pneumatic power is an innovative principle to estimate pneumatic system’s energy consumption directly. Based on the above principle, a pulse blowing method is put forward for saving energy. A flow experiment is carried out, in which the high speed air flows from the pulse blowing system and continuous blowing system respectively to a plate with grease on top. Supply pressure and the volume of air used for removing the grease are measured to calculate energy consumption. From the experiment result, the pulse blowing system performs to conserve energy comparing with the continuous blowing system. The frequency and duty ratio of pulse flow influence the blowing characteristic. The pulse blowing system performs to be the most efficient at the specified frequency and duty ratio. Then a pneumatic self-oscillated method based on air operated valve is put forward to generate pulse flow. A simulation is made about dynamic modeling the air operated valve and calculating the motion of the valve core and output pressure. The simulation result verifies the system to be able to generate pulse flow, and predicts the key parameters of the frequency and duty ratio measured by experiment well. Finally, on the basis of simplifying and solution of the pulse blowing system’s mathematic model, the relationship between system’s frequency duty ratio and the dimensions of components is simply described with four algebraic equations. The system could be designed with specified frequency and duty ratio according to the four equations. This study provides theoretical basis for designing energy-saving air blowing system.

Role of blowing snow in snow processes in Qilian Mountainous region

Blowing snow is an important part of snow hydrologic processes in mountainous region, however the related researches were rare for the Qilian mountainous region where blowing snow is frequent. Using the observation dataset in 2008 snow season in Binggou wa- tershed in Qilian mountainous region, we systematically studied the energy and mass processes of blowing snow by field observation and model simulation. The results include the analysis of snow observation, the occurrence probability of blowing snow, blowing snow transport and blowing snow sublimation. It was found that blowing snow was obvious in high altitude region （4,146 m）, the snow redislribution phenomena was remarkable. In Yakou station in the study region, blowing snow was easily occurred in midwinter and early spring when no snowmelt, the blowing snow transport was dominated in this period; when snowmelt beginning, the occur- rence probability of blowing snow decreased heavily because of the increasing air temperature, melt, and refrozen phenomena. The blowing snow sublimation accounted for 41.5% of total snow sublimation at Yakou station in 2008 snow season.

Cold model on bubble growth and detachment in bottom blowing process

The bubble growth and detachment behavior in the bottom blowing process were investigated. Four multi-hole nozzle configurations with different opening ratios were assessed experimentally using high-speed photography and digital image processing. For these configurations, the experiments reveal that the bubble growth consists of a petal-like stage, an expansion stage and a detachment stage. The petal-like shape is qualitatively described through the captured images, while the non-spherical bubbles are analyzed by the aspect ratio. The bubble size at the detachment is quantified by the maximum caliper distance and the bubble equivalent diameter. Considering the dependence on the opening ratio, different prediction models for the ratio of maximum caliper distance to hydraulic diameter of the nozzle outlet and the dimensionless bubble diameter are established. The comparative analysis results show that the proposed prediction model can accurately predict the bubble detachment size under the condition of multi-hole nozzles.

Numerical Simulation of the Air Jet Flow Field in the Melt Blowing Process

The theoretical model of the flow field of the dual slot die in melt blowing process is founded. The model is solved numerically with finite difference method. The distributions of the air velocity component in x direction along x-axis and y-axis and the air temperature distributions along x-axis and y-axis are obtained via numerical computation. The computation results coincide with the experimental data given by Harphain and Shambaugh. The distributions of the air velocity and air temperature are introduced into the air drag model of melt blowing. The model prediction of the fiber diameter agrees with the experimental data well.

Preparation of Microcapsules Containing Water Droplets Stabilized with Solid Powder and Application to Blowing Agent

We have tried to prepare the microcapsules containing water droplets stabilized with solid powder by utilizing the (W/O)/W emulsion. The water droplets as core material were stabilized in the monomer droplets with titanium dioxide (TiO2) as a particulate surfactant. Before adding the TiO2 powder into the monomer phase, the powder was modified with triethoxyvinylsilane to adjust the degree of hydrophobicity and to promote adhesion on the interface between the inner water phase and the monomer phase in the (W/O) emulsion. It was investigated how the degree of hydrophobicity of the TiO2 powder affected the stability of water droplets in the (W/O) emulsion and the (W/O) droplets in the (W/O)/W emulsion. Moreover, the microcapsule diameters were measured before and after the expansion operation where the water droplets microencapsulated were applied as a blowing agent. The expansion ratio was increased with increase in the stability of the water droplets and the amount of water microencapsulated.