Annular-Gap Gas Supply Element for High-Intensity Metallurgical Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing annular-gap-type gas supply elements for metallurgical furnaces cannot achieve high intensity gas injection under conditions of thin slag layer, slag-free layer, or complex processes due to limited control over inner and outer ring gas flows.
Innovation Solution
The annular-gap-type gas supply element features separate control of inner and outer annular gaps through distinct gas spaces, allowing for differential control of gas flow rates and pressures, thereby enabling high intensity gas injection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single control gas path and one gas distribution chamber are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to realize separate differential control of inner and outer rings is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The gas supply element is segmented into multiple independent control systems: at least one inner annular gap with its own control gas path and gas distribution chamber, and at least one outer annular gap with its own control gas path and gas distribution chamber. This segmentation enables separate differential control of inner and outer ring gas flows, allowing independent adjustment of gas flow rates to meet different process requirements.
2Productivity
If large flow of outer ring gas is used, then the gas injection intensity is improved, but transition erosion of refractory material at the contact between bottom blowing gas supply element and bottom blowing protective bricks is promoted
Solution Approach 1:
Different gas flow rates are applied to different regions: the inner annular gap can be configured with higher gas flow rates to achieve high intensity gas injection in the central region, while the outer annular gap can be configured with lower gas flow rates to minimize erosion at the interface between the gas supply element and protective bricks. This local differentiation of gas flow characteristics allows simultaneous optimization of injection intensity and refractory protection.
3Productivity
If separate differential control of inner and outer rings is implemented, then high intensity gas injection under thin slag layer conditions is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas supply element is segmented into multiple independent control systems: at least one inner annular gap with its own control gas path and gas distribution chamber, and at least one outer annular gap with its own control gas path and gas distribution chamber. This segmentation enables separate differential control of inner and outer ring gas flows, allowing independent adjustment of gas flow rates to meet different process requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas supply element is designed with multi-functionality to justify the increased complexity: it can operate under thin slag layer conditions with high intensity injection, switch between different gas flow distributions (inner ring dominant, outer ring dominant, or balanced), and adapt to various process stages. The element serves multiple functions including high intensity gas injection, refractory protection, and flexible process adaptation, which outweigh the additional structural complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for independent control of gas flow rates and pressures in both inner and outer annular gaps, effectively achieving high intensity gas injection even under challenging conditions such as thin slag or slag-free layers.
Implementation Method 1
a gas supply pressure of the at least one outer annular gap is equal to a gas supply pressure of the at least one inner annular gap, and an area of the at least one outer annular gap is smaller than an area of the at least one inner annular gap; Or, the area of the at least one outer annular gap is equal to the area of the at least one inner annular gap, and the gas supply pressure of the at least one outer annular gap is less than the gas supply pressure of the at least one inner annular gap
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure discloses an annular-gap-type gas supply element and gas supply method, which belongs to the field of metallurgical technology, and solves the problem that high intensity gas injection cannot be achieved under the condition of thin slag layer, slag-free layer or complex process in the prior art. The annular-gap-type gas supply element includes a central pipe, an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve, an outer gas space and an inner gas space located in the outer gas space, wherein the central pipe, the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve are arranged in turn; at least one inner annular gap is formed between the central pipe and the inner sleeve, and at least one outer annular gap is formed between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve, wherein the at least one inner annular gap is connected with the inner gas space, and the at least one outer annular gap is connected with the outer gas space. The gas supply method is that inner gas is injected into metallic bath of a metallurgical furnace through an inner gas space and at least one inner annular gap successively; and/or, outer gas is injected into the metallic bath of the metallurgical furnace through an outer gas space and at least one outer annular gap successively; wherein the types of the inner gas and the outer gas are the same or different. The gas supply element and gas supply method of the present application can be used for high intensity gas injection of metallurgical furnace.