Tuyere small sleeve and blast furnace tuyere device

By designing a combination structure of the base and multiple protective components on the air vent sleeve assembly, and utilizing the cooperation of protrusions, grooves and connectors, the problem of easy damage to the air vent sleeve under high temperature and wear environments is solved, achieving better protection and extended service life.

CN224199415UActive Publication Date: 2026-05-05HEBEI WANFENG METALLURGICAL SPARE PARTS CO LTD
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
HEBEI WANFENG METALLURGICAL SPARE PARTS CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-04-24
Publication Date
2026-05-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Air vent sleeve components are easily damaged in high-temperature and abrasive environments, and traditional ceramic discs provide poor protection, resulting in a short service life.

Method used

A small air vent sleeve was designed, which consists of a base and multiple protective components. Positioning is achieved through the cooperation of protrusions and grooves, and it is fixed by pressure strips and connectors to prevent the protective components from lifting or falling off. The protective components are made of ceramic material, which is resistant to high temperature and wear.

Benefits of technology

It effectively prevents damage to the vent sleeve components caused by slag and iron dripping and high-temperature melting, extends service life, reduces wear risk, and improves protection effect.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN224199415U_ABST
    Figure CN224199415U_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The utility model discloses a tuyere small sleeve and a blast furnace tuyere device, the tuyere small sleeve comprises a base body, the base body is provided with a blowing channel, the blowing channel extends along the axial direction of the base body, and the fluid output end of the blowing channel is the front end of the base body; a first groove is formed in the outer side wall of the base body, extends in the circumferential direction of the base body and is arranged to be close to the front end face of the base body. The bottom faces of the first protection parts are provided with first protruding blocks, the first protruding blocks are matched with the first grooves, the first protruding blocks are inserted into the first grooves so that the first protection parts can be installed on the base body, and the first protection parts are sequentially close to one another and distributed in the circumferential direction of the base body so as to cover the outer side wall of the front end of the base body. The positioning of the installation of the first protection part is realized through the matching of the convex block and the groove, and the risk of falling failure caused by the tilting deformation of the first protection part when the first protection part is heated is not easy to occur, so that a better protection effect on the base body is realized.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of blast furnaces, and in particular to a tuyere sleeve and a blast furnace tuyere device. Background Technology

[0002] Blast furnace smelting is a method of continuously producing liquid products (such as pig iron) in a blast furnace using coke, raw materials (such as iron ore), and flux (limestone, dolomite). In blast furnace smelting, coke, raw materials, and flux are charged into the blast furnace through the inlet at the top. Preheated air or auxiliary fuels (pulverized coal, heavy oil, natural gas) are blown in through the tuyeres located at the bottom of the blast furnace along its perimeter. At high temperatures, the carbon in the coke or auxiliary fuel burns with the oxygen in the blown air to produce carbon monoxide and hydrogen. As these gases rise within the furnace, oxygen is removed from the raw materials, thus yielding the liquid product.

[0003] The tuyere sleeve assembly is a crucial component in blast furnace smelting, responsible for supplying air or injecting auxiliary fuel. Because its front end extends into the furnace, operating under extremely high temperatures, its working conditions are very harsh. In practical use, the tuyere sleeve assembly is susceptible to damage from slag and iron dripping, as well as from abrasion by furnace charge and high-temperature melting. Traditional protective measures typically involve installing ceramic discs on the tuyere sleeve assembly; however, these discs are prone to deformation and detachment when heated, resulting in poor protective effectiveness. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a tuyere sleeve and a blast furnace tuyere device.

[0005] The first aspect of this utility model provides a small air vent sleeve, comprising: a base having a blowing channel extending axially along the base, the blowing channel being the front end of the base; a first groove extending circumferentially along the base and positioned close to the front end face of the base on the outer side wall of the base; and a plurality of first protective members having a first protrusion on their bottom surface, the first protrusion being adapted to the first groove and inserted into the first groove, such that the first protective members are mounted on the base, and the plurality of first protective members are sequentially close to each other and distributed circumferentially along the base to cover the outer side wall of the front end of the base.

[0006] Furthermore, the outer side wall of the substrate is provided with a pressure strip and a connector, a first type of groove is located between the pressure strip and the connector, the connector is close to the front end face of the substrate, the pressure strip extends circumferentially along the substrate, and the connectors are spaced apart circumferentially along the substrate; wherein, the connector is used to connect the substrate and the first protective member, and the pressure strip contacts the rear end of the first protective member.

[0007] Furthermore, the pressure strip has a recessed portion on the side facing the first type of groove, the recessed portion facing the outer wall of the substrate, and a protrusion at the rear end of the first protective member, the protrusion being adapted to the recessed portion, the protrusion being inserted into the recessed portion to prevent the first protective member from warping due to heat deformation.

[0008] Furthermore, the first protective component has a through hole, and the base has a second hole. The first hole and the second hole are adapted to each other, and a connecting component is provided in the first hole and the second hole.

[0009] Furthermore, multiple first protective components cover the outer wall of the front end of the substrate near the top region, and the multiple first protective components are arranged in an arc-shaped structure; wherein the central angle of the arc-shaped structure is less than or equal to 180 degrees.

[0010] Furthermore, the outer wall of the substrate is provided with two baffles that are spaced apart circumferentially along the substrate, and a plurality of first protective members are located between the two baffles, with the two baffles respectively close to the first and last first protective members.

[0011] Furthermore, the air vent sleeve also includes: a plurality of second protective components disposed on the front end face of the substrate, each second protective component being a fan-shaped annular sheet structure, and each second protective component being arranged sequentially close to each other and distributed along the circumference of the substrate to cover the front end face of the substrate.

[0012] Furthermore, the front end face of the substrate is provided with a second type of groove, which is distributed circumferentially along the substrate and extends radially and penetrates the substrate; the second protective member is provided with a second type of protrusion, which is adapted to the second type of groove, and the second protrusion is inserted into the second type of groove, so that the second protective member is installed on the front end face of the substrate; wherein, the second type of groove is a dovetail groove.

[0013] Furthermore, a plurality of second protective components cover the area near the top of the front end face of the substrate, and the area covered by the plurality of second protective components is a first annular ring, the central angle of the first annular ring being less than or equal to 180 degrees.

[0014] The second aspect of this utility model provides a blast furnace tuyere device, including the aforementioned tuyere sleeve.

[0015] The above-mentioned technical solution of this utility model has the following beneficial technical effects:

[0016] 1. In this embodiment of the utility model, when the first type of protrusion is inserted into the first type of groove, the first protective component is installed on the base. In this way, the positioning of the first protective component is achieved by the matching of the protrusion and the groove. Moreover, the first protective component is less likely to warp and deform when heated, thus avoiding the risk of falling off and failing, thereby achieving a better protective effect on the base.

[0017] 2. In this embodiment of the utility model, by setting the first protective component and the second protective component, the outer wall and front end face of the substrate can be protected, which can avoid damage to the substrate caused by long-term slag and iron dripping, and can also reduce the risk of damage caused by furnace charge wear and high temperature melting, and extend the service life of the tuyer sleeve.

[0018] 3. In this embodiment of the utility model, by inserting the protrusion of the first protective member into the recess of the pressure strip, and using a connector to connect and fix the first protective member to the base, not only can the rear end and front end of the first protective member be effectively prevented from warping and deforming due to heat, but the first protective member can also be made less likely to fall off. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the air vent sleeve according to the first embodiment of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the air vent sleeve according to the second embodiment of the present utility model;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the air vent sleeve according to the third embodiment of this utility model;

[0022] Figure label:

[0023] 11. Matrix; 12. Puffing channel; 13. First protective component; 14. First type of protrusion; 15. First type of groove; 16. Pressure strip; 17. Connector; 18. Protrusion; 19. Stop; 20. Second protective component; 21. Second type of groove; 22. Second type of protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these descriptions are merely exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of the present utility model. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known structures and technologies are omitted in the following description to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concept of the present utility model. In this document, terms such as first, second, and third are used only to distinguish one feature from another and are not intended to claim or imply any order or association between these features.

[0025] The first aspect of this utility model provides a small air vent sleeve, such as Figure 1-3As shown, the system includes a base 11 and multiple first protective members 13. The base 11 is provided with a spray channel 12, which extends axially along the base 11, and the fluid output end of the spray channel 12 is the front end of the base 11. A first type of groove 15 is provided on the outer side wall of the base 11, which extends circumferentially along the base 11 and is positioned close to the front end face of the base 11. A first type of protrusion 14 is provided on the bottom surface of the first protective member 13, which is adapted to the first type of groove 15 and inserted into the first type of groove 15, so that the first protective member 13 is installed on the base 11. Multiple first protective members 13 are sequentially close to each other and distributed circumferentially along the base 11 to cover the outer side wall of the front end of the base 11.

[0026] Specifically, the base 11 can be configured as a frustum conical structure, with the small end face of the base 11 serving as the front end face and the large end face serving as the rear end face. The front end of the base 11 extends into the blast furnace, and a jetting channel 12 is provided at the center of the base 11. The jetting channel 12 is used to supply air to the furnace or inject auxiliary fuel or other fluids. The jetting channel 12 can be configured as a conical hole that gradually increases in size from the front end to the rear end of the base 11. The fluid is transported from the rear end to the front end of the base 11 to deliver the fluid into the furnace. The base 11 can be made of pure copper, and the first protective component 13 can be made of ceramic material, specifically, for example, it can be wrapped with... The first protective component 13, made of alumina, silicon nitride, silicon carbide, silicon nitride-bonded silicon carbide, zirconium corundum, chromium corundum, and aluminum titanate-corundum, is made of one or more of these materials and is both high-temperature resistant and wear-resistant. The first protective component 13 can be a rectangular or trapezoidal sheet structure. Multiple first-type protrusions 14 can be provided on the bottom surface of the first protective component 13, spaced apart along its length. The protrusions prevent deformation of the first protective component 13 when heated. Correspondingly, multiple first-type grooves 15 can be provided on the outer wall of the base 11. For example, two first-type grooves 15 can be provided and spaced apart along the axial direction of the base 11. The first type of groove 15 extends circumferentially along the base 11, forming an annular groove. Multiple first protective members 13 are sequentially positioned close to each other, preventing them from falling off. These first protective members 13 are distributed circumferentially along the base 11, completely or partially covering the outer wall of the front end of the base 11. When the first type of protrusion 14 is inserted into the first type of groove 15, the first protective member 13 is mounted on the base 11. This positioning of the first protective member 13 is achieved through the adaptation of the protrusion and the groove, preventing the first protective member 13 from warping or deforming when heated, thus preventing detachment. To mitigate the risk of slag and iron dripping, and further to prevent the first protective component 13 from falling off, the first protective component 13 and the base 11 can be connected and fixed using a threaded connector 17. When the tuyeres sleeve is installed on the blast furnace wall, the front end of the base 11 extends into the blast furnace. The length of the first protective component 13 can be set to cover the area in the furnace where slag and iron are prone to dripping. When slag and iron drip, the first protective component 13 can protect the outer wall of the base 11, preventing damage to the base 11 caused by prolonged slag and iron dripping. This also reduces the risk of damage from furnace charge abrasion and high-temperature melting, and extends the service life of the tuyeres sleeve.

[0027] In some embodiments, a pressure strip 16 and a connector 17 are provided on the outer side wall of the base 11. A first groove 15 is located between the pressure strip 16 and the connector 17. The connector 17 is close to the front end face of the base 11. The pressure strip 16 extends circumferentially along the base 11. The connector 17 is distributed at intervals circumferentially along the base 11. The connector 17 is used to connect the base 11 and the first protective member 13. The pressure strip 16 contacts the rear end of the first protective member 13. Specifically, the pressure strip 16 blocks the rear end of the first protective member 13, and the connector 17 is located at the front end of the first protective member 13. The base 11 and the first protective member 13 are connected and fixed through the connector 17. The connector 17 is, for example, a threaded fastener. The connector 17 can be set near the front end of each first protective member 13. Threaded holes can be set on the base 11, and corresponding mounting holes can be set on the first protective member 13. Screws can be screwed in to connect and fix the base 11 and the first protective member 13. Since the first protective member 13 is a slender sheet structure, it is prone to warping and deformation at its rear and front ends due to the high temperature inside the furnace. Therefore, the setting of the pressure strip 16 and the connector 17 can effectively prevent the rear and front ends of the first protective member 13 from warping and deformation caused by heat.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the pressure strip 16 has a recessed portion on the side facing the first groove 15, with the recessed portion facing the outer wall of the base 11. The rear end of the first protective member 13 has a protrusion 18, which is adapted to the recessed portion. The protrusion 18 is inserted into the recessed portion to prevent the first protective member 13 from warping due to heat deformation. Specifically, the pressure strip 16 can be made of metal, such as copper or steel. The pressure strip 16 can be welded to the outer wall of the base 11. A corresponding protrusion is provided on the top of the pressure strip 16, which is higher than the base 11. The space between the protrusion and the outer wall of the base 11 forms a recessed portion. The protrusion 18 is lower than the top surface of the first protective member 13. When the protrusion 18 is inserted into the recessed portion, the protrusion of the pressure strip 16 can limit the first protective member 13 in the front-back direction, thereby preventing the first protective member 13 from warping due to heat deformation.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, the first protective member 13 has a through hole, and the base 11 has a second hole. The first hole and the second hole are adapted to each other, and a connector 17 is provided in the first hole and the second hole. The connector 17 can be, for example, a pin. Inserting the pin into the first hole and the second hole, the pin and the first hole and the second hole are interference-fitted, which can realize the connection and fixation between the base 11 and the first protective member 13; or, the second hole is a threaded hole, the first hole is a countersunk hole, and the connector 17 is a countersunk screw. Screwing the countersunk screw can realize the connection and fixation between the base 11 and the first protective member 13.

[0030] In some embodiments, multiple first protective members 13 cover the outer wall of the front end of the base 11 near the top region, and the multiple first protective members 13 are arranged in a semi-circular arch structure; wherein the central angle of the semi-circular arch structure is less than or equal to 180 degrees. For example, when the tuyeres sleeve is installed on the furnace wall of the blast furnace, the front end of the base 11 extends into the blast furnace. The area near the top of the base 11 is easily damaged by slag and iron dripping, while the area near the bottom of the base 11 is relatively less prone to wear. Therefore, multiple first protective members 13 cover the outer wall of the front end of the base 11 near the top region, and the multiple first protective members 13 are arranged to form a semi-circular arch structure; a small gap can be reserved between two adjacent first protective members 13 to allow for the volume expansion of the first protective members 13 after heating.

[0031] In some embodiments, the outer wall of the base 11 is provided with two baffles 19 spaced apart circumferentially along the base, and a plurality of first protective members are located between the two baffles, with the two baffles 19 respectively close to the first and last first protective members 13. The baffles 19 may be made of copper or steel, and may be welded or fixed to the outer wall of the base 11 with threaded fasteners. The baffles 19 may be elongated to block the first protective members 13, and correspondingly, protrusions and first-type grooves may be provided on the baffles 19; or the baffles 19 may be provided as multiple small segments, which are spaced apart along the length of the first protective members 13. The baffles 19 are distributed on the left and right sides of the base 11 to support the semi-circular arched structure of the first protective members 13 and prevent them from falling off.

[0032] In some embodiments, the vent sleeve further includes: a plurality of second protective components 20 disposed on the front end face of the base 11, each second protective component 20 being a fan-shaped sheet structure, and each second protective component 20 being arranged sequentially close to each other and distributed along the circumference of the base 11 to cover the front end face of the base 11. The second protective component 20 can be made of ceramic material. Each second protective component 20 is a fan-shaped annular sheet structure. The radius of the inner arc is set to be larger than the radius of the blowing channel 12, and the radius of the outer arc is set to be smaller than the radius of the front end face of the base 11. The central angle of each second protective component 20 is 15-30 degrees. When the second protective component 20 is installed on the front end face of the base 11, each second protective component 20 approaches each other in sequence and is distributed along the circumference of the base 11. It can completely cover the front end face of the base 11, or partially cover the front end face of the base 11. By setting the second protective component 20, the front end face of the base 11 can be protected, which can avoid damage to the base 11 caused by long-term slag and iron dripping. It can also reduce the risk of damage caused by furnace charge wear and high-temperature melting, and extend the service life of the tuyeres sleeve.

[0033] In some embodiments, the front end face of the base 11 is provided with a second type of groove 21, the second type of groove 21 is distributed circumferentially along the base 11, and the second type of groove 21 extends radially and penetrates the base 11; the second protective member 20 is provided with a second type of protrusion 22, the second type of protrusion 22 is adapted to the second type of groove 21, the second type of protrusion 22 is inserted into the second type of groove 21, so that the second protective member 20 is installed on the front end face of the base 11; wherein, the second type of groove 21 is a dovetail groove. The second type of groove 21 is designed as a dovetail groove, and the second type of protrusion 22 is inserted into the second type of groove 21, so that the second protective member 20 will not fall off when it is installed on the front end face of the base 11. Each second protective member 20 approaches each other in sequence, and a small gap can be reserved between two adjacent second protective members 20 to allow for the volume expansion of the second protective member 20 after being heated. Even if the second protective member 20 slides down along the second type of groove 21 and is squeezed together with the adjacent second protective member 20, it is not easy to slide down. Therefore, the second protective member 20 can be reliably installed on the front end face of the base 11 without the use of threaded fasteners, that is, the second protective member 20 is not easy to slide down.

[0034] In some embodiments, a plurality of second protective members 20 cover the near-top region of the front end face of the substrate 11, and the region covered by the plurality of second protective members 20 is a first annular ring, the central angle of the first annular ring being less than or equal to 180 degrees.

[0035] The second aspect of this utility model provides a blast furnace tuyere device, including the aforementioned small tuyere sleeve. The blast furnace tuyere device may further include a medium tuyere sleeve and a large tuyere sleeve; wherein, the medium tuyere sleeve is connected to the rear end of the small tuyere sleeve, and the large tuyere sleeve is connected to the rear end of the medium tuyere sleeve; the three sleeves are sequentially connected to form the blast furnace tuyere device. The blast furnace tuyeres are installed on the furnace wall at the bottom of the blast furnace and distributed around the furnace perimeter. The injection channel 12 of the tuyeres is used to supply air into the furnace or inject auxiliary fuel and other fluids. The front end of the base 11 extends into the blast furnace. The length of the first protective member 13 can be set to cover the area where slag and iron can easily drip into the furnace. The protrusion of the second protective member 20 can be inserted into the dovetail groove first to install each second protective member 20 on the front end face of the base 11. Then, the baffles 19 of the first protective member 13 near the left or right side are installed on the outer side wall of the base 11 in sequence. The protrusion 18 of the first protective member 13 is inserted into the recess of the pressure strip 16. The protrusion of the first protective member 13 is inserted into the first type of groove 15. The pin is inserted into the first hole and the second hole to complete the installation of multiple first protective members 13. By setting the first protective component 13 and the second protective component 20, the outer wall and front end of the base 11 can be protected, which can avoid damage to the base 11 caused by long-term slag and iron dripping. It can also reduce the risk of damage caused by furnace charge wear and high-temperature melting, and extend the service life of the tuyeres sleeve. When the first type of protrusion 14 is inserted into the first type of groove 15, the first protective component 13 is installed on the base 11. The positioning of the first protective component 13 is achieved by the matching of the protrusion and the groove. Moreover, it can prevent the first protective component 13 from warping and deforming when heated, thus reducing the risk of falling off. Furthermore, in order to prevent the first protective component 13 from falling off, the protrusion 18 of the first protective component 13 is inserted into the recess of the pressure strip 16, and the first protective component 13 is connected and fixed to the base 11 by the connector 17. This can also effectively prevent the rear end and front end of the first protective component 13 from warping and deforming due to heat. The second type of groove 21 is designed as a dovetail groove, and the second type of protrusion 22 is inserted into the second type of groove 21, so that the second protective member 20 will not fall off when it is installed on the front end face of the base 11. Each second protective member 20 approaches each other in sequence, and a small gap can be reserved between two adjacent second protective members 20 to allow for the volume expansion of the second protective member 20 after being heated. Even if the second protective member 20 slides down along the second type of groove 21 and is squeezed together with the adjacent second protective member 20, it is not easy to slide down. Therefore, the second protective member 20 can be reliably installed on the front end face of the base 11 without the use of threaded fasteners, that is, the second protective member 20 is not easy to slide down.

[0036] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative or explanatory of the principles of this utility model and do not constitute a limitation thereof. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model should be included within its protection scope. Furthermore, the appended claims are intended to cover all variations and modifications falling within the scope and boundaries of the appended claims, or equivalent forms of such scope and boundaries.

Claims

1. A small air vent cover, characterized in that, include: The substrate has a spray channel that extends along the axial direction of the substrate, and the fluid output end of the spray channel is the front end of the substrate; a first type of groove is provided on the outer side wall of the substrate, the first type of groove extends along the circumferential direction of the substrate, and the first type of groove is located close to the front end face of the substrate; Multiple first protective components are provided with a first type of protrusion on their bottom surface. The first type of protrusion is adapted to a first type of groove. The first type of protrusion is inserted into the first type of groove, so that the first protective component is installed on the base. Multiple first protective components are arranged in sequence close to each other and distributed along the circumference of the base to cover the outer side wall of the front end of the base.

2. The air vent sleeve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall of the substrate is provided with a pressure strip and a connector. A first type of groove is located between the pressure strip and the connector. The connector is close to the front end face of the substrate. The pressure strip extends circumferentially along the substrate, and the connectors are spaced apart circumferentially along the substrate. The connector is used to connect the base and the first protective member, and the pressure strip contacts the rear end of the first protective member.

3. The air vent sleeve according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pressure strip has a recessed portion on the side facing the first type of groove, and the recessed portion faces the outer side wall of the substrate. The rear end of the first protective member has a protrusion that is adapted to the recessed portion. The protrusion is inserted into the recessed portion to prevent the first protective member from warping due to heat deformation.

4. The air vent sleeve according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first protective component has a through hole, and the base has a second hole. The first hole and the second hole are adapted to each other, and a connecting component is provided in the first hole and the second hole.

5. The air vent sleeve according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple first protective components cover the outer wall of the front end of the substrate near the top region, and the multiple first protective components are arranged in an arc-shaped structure; wherein the central angle of the arc-shaped structure is less than or equal to 180 degrees.

6. The air vent sleeve according to claim 5, characterized in that, The outer wall of the substrate is provided with two baffles that are spaced apart circumferentially along the substrate, and a plurality of first protective members are located between the two baffles, with the two baffles being close to the first and last first protective members respectively.

7. The air vent sleeve according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Also includes: Multiple second protective components are disposed on the front end face of the substrate. Each second protective component is a fan-shaped sheet structure, and each second protective component is arranged sequentially close to each other and distributed along the circumference of the substrate to cover the front end face of the substrate.

8. The air vent sleeve according to claim 7, characterized in that, The front end face of the substrate is provided with a second type of groove, the second type of groove is distributed at intervals along the circumference of the substrate, and the second type of groove extends and penetrates along the radial direction of the substrate; The second protective component is provided with a second type of protrusion, which is adapted to a second type of groove. The second type of protrusion is inserted into the second type of groove, so that the second protective component is installed on the front end face of the base; wherein, the second type of groove is a dovetail groove.

9. The air vent sleeve according to claim 8, characterized in that, Multiple second protective components cover the area near the top of the front end face of the substrate, and the area covered by the multiple second protective components is a first annular ring with a central angle of less than or equal to 180 degrees.

10. A blast furnace tuyere device, characterized in that, Includes the air vent sleeve as described in any one of claims 1-9.