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Improvements in blast furnace operation at AHMSA Monclova

Journal Article · · Iron and Steel Engineer; (United States)
OSTI ID:7121493
;  [1];  [2]
  1. Altos Hornos de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Monclova (Mexico). Monclova Works
  2. Hoogovens Technical Services B.V., Monclova (Mexico)

Following the privatization of Altos Hornos de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (AHMSA) in Nov. 1991, four areas were chosen to improve blast furnace performance and hot metal costs. These areas included improvement of pellet quality, start of oil-gas co-injection, improved control of gas flow in the blast furnace and start of monitoring program to predict the remaining life of the hearth of No. 5 blast furnace. These efforts resulted in the following improvements in the first half of 1992: Production level increased to 2.4 tonnes/cu metre/24 hr with a 1992 annual production record from No. 5 furnace of 1.639 million tonnes; Coke rates decreased by 60 kg/tonne, half of which was due to process improvements and the other half to injection of oil; Silicon standard deviations decreased from 0.22% in 1991 to 0.20% in 1992; Hot metal costs decreased by 10.6%; and The major reline of No. 5 furnace postponed by at least 1.5 years. The improvement of the blast furnace process was not limited to the larger No. 5 furnace. Similar tends can be observed with No. 4 furnace which will also be equipped with oil injection. For the future, programs have been prepared to increase injection rates, improve casthouse operation and increase process stability.

OSTI ID:
7121493
Journal Information:
Iron and Steel Engineer; (United States), Journal Name: Iron and Steel Engineer; (United States) Vol. 71:10; ISSN IRSEA5; ISSN 0021-1559
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English