Decarburization rate of RH refining for ultra low carbon steel

The decarburization behaviors of ultra low carbon steel in a 210-t RH vacuum degasser were investigated under practical operat- ing conditions. According to the apparent decarburization rate constant （Kc） calculated by the carbon content in the samples taken from the hot melt in a ladle at an interval of 1-2 min, it is observed that the total decarburization reaction period in RH can be divided into the quick decarburization period and the stagnant decarburization period, which is quite different from the traditional one with three stages. In this study, the average apparent decarburization rate constant during the quick decarburization period is 0.306 min^-1, and that of the stagnant period is 0.072 min^-1. Increasing the initial carbon content and enhancing the exhausting capacity can increase the apparent decarburization rate constant in the quick decarburization period. The decarburization reaction comes into the stagnant decarburization period when the carbon content in molten steel is less than 14× 10^-6 after 10 min of decarburization.

Numerical Simulation of Recirculating Flow and Decarburization in RH Vacuum Refining Degasser

Based on the principle of RH process and the mechanism of decarburization, a three-dimensional mathematical model to represent the flow and decarburization of molten steel was established. The model was verified and the effect of operating parameters on the process was investigated.

Decarburization mechanism of RH-MFB refining process

The overall decarburization mechanism can be divided into the decarburization in bulk molten steel and floating of CO against static pressure, the decarburization on the surface of argon bubbles and splashing particles. On the basis of each conception the RH-MFB decarburization mathematical model has been built according to the thermodynamic and mass conservation principle, and contributions of every decarburization mechanism were discussed and analyzed.

Study on Flow and Mixing Characteristics of Molten Steel in RH and RH-KTB Refining Processes

The flow and mixing characteristics of molten steel during the vacuum circulation refining, including RH(Ruhrstahl Heraeus) and RH KTB(Ruhrstahl Heraeus Kawasaki top blowing) processes, were investigated on a 1/5 linear scale water model of a 90 t multifunction RH degasser. The circulation rate was directly and more accurately determined, using a new method by which the more reliable results can be obtained. The fluid flow pattern and flow field in the ladle were demonstrated, observed and analyzed. The mixing time of liquid in the ladle was measured using electrical conductivity method. The residence time distribution in the RH model was obtained by tracer response technique. The influence of the main technological and geometric factors, including the gas top blowing (KTB) operation, was examined. The results indicated that the circulation rate of molten steel in the RH degasser can be fairly precisely calculated by the formula: Q lp =0.0333 Q 0.26 g D 0.69 u D 0.80 d(t/min), where Q g-the lifting gas flow rate (NL/min); D u and D d-the inner diameters of the up and down snorkels (cm), respectively. The maximum value of circulation rate of molten steel in the case of the 30 cm diameters either of the up and down snorkels for the RH degasser (the “saturated” rate) is approximately 31 t/min. The corresponding gas flow rate is 900 NL/min. Blowing gas into the vacuum chamber through the top lance like KTB operation does not markedly influence the circulatory flow and mixing characteristics of the RH process under the conditions of the present work. There exist a major loop and a large number of small vortices and eddies in the ladle during the RH refining process. A liquid liquid two phase flow is formed between the descending stream from the down snorkel and the liquid around the stream. All of these flow situation and pattern will strongly influence and determine the mixing and mass transfer in the ladle during the refining. The correlation between the mixing time and the stirring energy density is τ m∝ε -0.50 for the RH degasser. The mixing time rapidly shortens with an increase in the lifting gas flowrate. At a same gas flow rate, the mixing times with the up and down snorkel diameters either of 6 and 7 cm are essentially same. The 30 cm diameters either of the up and down snorkels for the RH degasser would be reasonable. The concentration time curve showed that three circulation cycles are at least needed for complete mixing of the liquid steel in the RH degasser.

Hybrid Neural Network Model for RH Vacuum Refining Process Control

A hybrid neural network model,in which RH process(theoretical)model is combined organically with neural network(NN)and case-base reasoning(CBR),was established.The CBR method was used to select the operation mode and the RH operational guide parameters for different steel grades according to the initial conditions of molten steel,and a three-layer BP neural network was adopted to deal with nonlinear factors for improving and compensating the limitations of technological model for RH process control and end-point prediction.It was verified that the hybrid neural network is effective for improving the precision and calculation efficiency of the model.

近二十年宝钢RH装备及技术进步

在汽车板、硅钢、镀锡板、管线钢、船板等高等级品种钢开发和质量提升需求的推动下,近二十年来宝山基地在RH精炼装备、工艺技术及自动化等方面取得了长足的进步,特别在RH真空精炼装备、高效脱碳、低成本处理、顶枪真空加热、夹杂物控制、RH专线化生产、环保耐材、RH智能一键精炼等方面形成了具有自身特点的工艺技术,满足了品种钢开发、质量提升和产能提高的需求。

Corrosion resistance evaluation of highly dispersed MgO–MgAl2O4–ZrO2 composite and analysis of its corrosion mechanism: A chromium-free refractory for RH refining kilns

The corrosion resistance behavior of a highly dispersed MgO-MgAl2O4-ZrO2 composite refractory material is examined by testing with high-basicity and low-basicity RH(Ruhrstahl-Hereaeus)slags.The composite material exhibits greater resistance to the RH slags than the traditional MgO-Cr2O3 composite,MgO-ZrO2 composite,and MgO-MgAl2O4-ZrO2 composite.On the basis of the microstructural analysis and mechanisms calculations,the corrosion resistance behavior of the MgO-MgAl2O4-ZrO2 composite is attributable to its highly dispersed structure,which helps protect the high activity of ZrO2.When in contact with the slag,ZrO2 reacts with CaO to form the stable phase CaZrO3,which protects MgAl2O4 against corrosion,thereby enhancing the corrosion resistance of the composite.

RH底喷粉精炼过程数值模拟研究

RH真空槽底喷粉精炼将脱硫粉剂直接喷入钢液,冶金反应程度高,终点元素含量稳定,能够完成高品质钢的炉外精炼任务。对RH底喷粉过程进行数值模拟研究,探究底喷粉过程的粉剂行为及对钢液流场的影响规律,优化喷嘴布置方案,旨在推动该技术的工业化应用。研究结果表明,180°喷嘴布置方案(即下降管侧喷吹,简称方案2)的钢液环流量比0°喷嘴布置方案(即上升管侧喷吹,简称方案1)增加1.8 t/min(增量比例为1.4%);方案2的钢包最下端钢液粉剂浓度比方案1高0.2~0.9 kg/m^(3)(增量比例为6.7%~81.8%);方案2条件下,钢包内钢液流动死区的粉剂浓度随喷嘴布置高度的降低而降低。结合粉剂收得率,确定方案2喷嘴布置高度为300 mm,此时粉剂收得率较方案1提升2.59%。

Mathematical Model of Decarburization of Ultra Low Carbon Steel during RH Treatment

According to the balance of carbon and oxygen, a decarburization model for the RH treatment has been developed. in which the influence of the mass transfer of carbon and oxygen in the liquid steel and the stirring energy (ε) in the vacuum vessel on decarburization rate has been considered. The conclusion that the volumetric coefficients of the mass transfer of carbon is proportional to ε(1.5) is drawn. Industrical experiment proves this model is reliable. The influence of some factors on decarburization rate has been obtained. which can provide directions for RH treatment The decarburization behavior of steel with RH-OB treatment is also studied. The OB-or-not curve, the optimized OB time and OB amount are discussed.

Modeling study on the flow patterns of gas–liquid flow for fast decarburization during the RH process

A water model and a high-speed video camera were utilized in the 300-t RH equipment to study the effect of steel flow patterns in a vacuum chamber on fast decarburization and a superior flow-pattern map was obtained during the practical RH process. There are three flow patterns with different bubbling characteristics and steel surface states in the vacuum chamber： boiling pattern（BP）, transition pattern（TP）, and wave pattern（WP）. The effect of the liquid-steel level and the residence time of the steel in the chamber on flow patterns and decarburization reaction were investigated, respectively. The liquid-steel level significantly affected the flow-pattern transition from BP to WP, and the residence time and reaction area were crucial to evaluate the whole decarburization process rather than the circulation flow rate and mixing time. A superior flow-pattern map during the practical RH process showed that the steel flow pattern changed from BP to TP quickly, and then remained as TP until the end of decarburization.

镁尖晶石砖在RH真空处理的应用及对钢水增铬的影响

针对武汉钢铁有限公司炼钢厂RH真空处理装置使用镁铬砖存在的铬污染及钢水增铬问题,以大结晶电熔镁砂、铝镁尖晶石、金属铝粉和硅粉为原料,以热固性酚醛树脂为结合剂,制备了RH真空用镁尖晶石砖,在该炼钢厂进行了工业应用试验,三炼钢分厂RH真空插入管平均使用寿命130次,底部槽平均使用寿命384次,使用寿命与镁铬砖相当。四炼钢分厂RH真空插入管平均使用寿命97.17次;底部槽平均使用寿命194.28次;冶炼电工钢条件下寿命有所降低。镁尖晶石砖与镁铬砖相比增Cr质量分数平均降幅64.49%,利于降低钢水中的Cr含量。

Development of RH refining technology at Baosteel

With the strong demand for the development of automobile sheets, tin plates, household appliances, silicon steel, pipeline steel and other products as well as for the quality improvement of steel products, remarkable progress has been made in RH refining technology and equipment design since Baosteel began production more than 20 years ago. The vacuum degassing ratio of Baosteel has jumped from 35% in the initial stage when Baosteel began production, to the current ratio of approximately 60%, and will soon reach 75% in the near future. The independent innovations in RH refming technology in Baosteel, such as RH equipment optimization, vacuum decarburization, inclusion control, deoxidation, desulfurization, rhythm adjustment between primary steelmaking and continuous casting, the high efficiency of the RH refining process, and other aspects of RH technology, have all effectively met the requirements of developing new steel products, quality improvement and logistical control. Complete sets of RH equipment and refining technology have been successfully exported to the domestic steel plants. In the future, Baosteel will make further efforts to improve efficiency, stabilize production and quality, and realize special line production, so that the RH degasser will play a greater role in Baosteel.

Optimum process of RH-MFB refining for ultra-low carbon steel

A mathematical model was established and applied to simulate thedecarburization of RH-MFB process in Pansteel Company. Study of theeffects of w_[C]0, w_[O]0, Ar flowrate, evaluation rate the MFB lanceblowing parameters on the decarburization process was car- Ried out.The results showed that this model could give the quantitativeunderstanding of the process, especially the behavior of MFB Lanceblowing. This model has realized the optimum process of RH-MFBrefining for ultra-low carbon steels in Pansteel.

250吨RH精炼炉生产脱硫实践

为了研究不同类型的钢种在RH冶炼时的脱硫效果,主要对DC06钢种、电工钢及过LF-RH(双联)钢进行了工艺实践研究。通过实践得出钢中脱氧程度越深,加入脱硫剂后脱硫效果越好,同一钢种加入同等质量脱硫剂后,脱硫量与钢中初始硫含量成正比,与脱硫率成反比。加入脱硫剂后前6 min脱硫最快,8 min后钢中的硫含量基本不再变化;加入量最好控制在4 kg/吨钢以内,防止渣子变稠,影响吸附夹杂能力。

高牌号无取向硅钢生产中RH精炼渣系熔点分析

通过FactSage软件计算和实验室精炼渣熔点测量高牌号无取向硅钢生产过程中的RH精炼渣熔点,探讨了CaO-SiO_(2)-Al_(2)O_(3)-MgO四元RH精炼渣系中各个化合物对精炼渣熔点的影响。结果显示:当CaO含量为30%~40%时低熔点区域较大;当Al_(2)O_(3)含量为10%~20%时低熔点区域较大;SiO_(2)控制在10%以内较为合适;当MgO含量为8%~10%时低熔点区域较大;误差在5%以下,计算结果可靠。

高牌号无取向硅钢中RH精炼顶渣对钢液洁净度影响

通过FactSage 8.1热力学软件以及现有的顶渣成分对[S]的影响分析,提出了RH顶渣理想的优化成分方案,并通过工业化试验进行了验证。分析结果表明,理想的顶渣成分是CaO 50%~60%,SiO20%~15%,Al_(2)O_(3)40%~50%。当精炼结束并且精炼渣接近低熔点体系时,CaO/Al_(2)O_(3)≈1.25。对比了理想区域与非理想区域渣系成分,结果表明精炼顶渣理想区域使得T[O]减少7×10^(-6),铝损减少64×10^(-6),有利于减少百纳米级夹杂的产生。

基于水环泵与蒸汽喷射泵组合技术下的RH真空系统节能实践

针对某炼钢厂RH蒸汽喷射泵蒸汽耗量大、供汽不稳定的问题,提出一种改造方案,该方案应用水环泵与蒸汽喷射泵组合技术,以新设蒸汽专线优先供应RH精炼设备。改造后,RH精炼外部蒸汽用量降低约25%,在现有条件下可以满足RH正常生产需要,达到了节能降耗的目标。

Prediction of liquid circulation flow rate in RH degasser:improvement of decarburization at low atmospheric pressure

The two-fluid model coupled with population balance model was used for simulating the gas-liquid flow in the Ruhrstahl-Heraeus(RH)degasser.The predicted circulation flow rate was compared with that measured from a water model experiment to validate the mathematical model.Then,influence of snorkel immersion depth on liquid circulation flow rate was numerically investigated under an atmospheric pressure of 101 and 84 kPa,respectively.Predicted result indicates that the circulation flow rate of the RH degasser in the high-altitude area was severely reduced because of the decrease in atmospheric pressure.However,increasing the snorkel immersion depth from 0.5 to 0.7 m can compensate for the decrease in atmospheric pressure.Industrial test result indicates that decarburization rate is significantly enhanced by increasing the snorkel immersion depth.Through optimization,the percentage of heats with a final carbon content less than 0.002 wt.%is significantly increased from 22.0%to 96.4%.

Physical Modeling of the Vacuum Circulation Refining Process of Molten Steel

The available studies in the literature on physical modeling of the vacuum circulation (RH, i.e. Ruhrstahl Heraeus) refining process of molten steel have briefly been reviewed. The latest advances made by the author with his research group have been summarized. Water modeling was employed to investigate the flow and mixing characteristics of molten steel under the RH and RH KTB (Kawasaki top blowing) conditions and the mass transfer features between molten steel and powder particles in the RH PTB (powder top blowing) refining. The geometric similarity ratio between the model and its prototype (a multifunction RH degasser of 90 t capacity) was 1:5. The effects of the related technological and structural factors were considered. These latest studies have revealed the flow and mixing characteristics of molten steel and the mass transfer features between molten steel and powder particles in these processes, and have provided a better understanding of the refining processes of molten steel.

Mathematical Modeling of the Vacuum Circulation Refining Process of Molten Steel

The available studies in the literature on mathematical modeling of the vacuum circulation (RH) refining process of molten steel have briefly been reviewed. The latest advances obtained by the author with his research group have been summarized. On the basis of the mass and momentum balances in the system, a new mathematical model for decarburization and degassing during the RH and RH KTB refining processes of molten steel was proposed and developed. The refining roles of the three reaction sites, i.e. the up snorkel zone, the droplet group and steel bath in the vacuum vessel, were considered in the model. It was assumed that the mass transfer of reactive components in the molten steel is the rate control step of the refining reactions. And the friction losses and drags of flows in the snorkels and vacuum vessel were all counted. The model was applied to the refining of molten steel in a multifunction RH degasser of 90 t capacity. The decarburization and degassing processes in the degasser under the RH and RH KTB operating conditions were modeled and analyzed using this model. Besides, proceeded from the two resistance mass transfer theory and the mass balance of sulphur in the system, a kinetic model for the desulphurization by powder injection and blowing in the RH refining of molten steel was developed. Modeling and predictions of the process of injecting and blowing the lime based powder flux under assumed operating modes with the different initial contents of sulphur and amounts of powder injected and blown in a RH degasser of 300 t capacity were carried out using the model. It was demonstrated that for the RH and RH KTB refining processes, and the desulphurization by powder injection and blowing in the RH refining, the results predicted by the models were all in good agreement respectively with data from industrial experiments and practice. These models may be expected to offer some useful information and a reliable basis for determining and optimizing the technologies of the RH and RH KTB refining and desulphurization by powder injection and blowing in the RH refining and for controlling the processes.