Metallurgical performance of innovative double-parameter oxygen lance in BOF steelmaking

The metallurgical performance of a double-parameter oxygen lance was characterized using the prototype of a 260 t converter. The influences of nozzle arrangement on the cavity size, mixing ability and splashing capacity were discussed. The results demonstrated that the small-nozzle inclination has a greater impact on the cavity diameter, while the large-nozzle flow ratio has a greater impact on the cavity depth. The influence of the large-nozzle gas flow rate on the stirring strength is greater than that of the nozzle inclination. The maximum splash flux is located at the outer edge of the large nozzle farthest from the axis of the lance. The large-nozzle flow of the double-parameter lance shall be limited to less than 65% of the total flow to prevent the molten steel from splashing out of the converter. Many metallurgical indexes were improved by the application of the double-parameter lance under commercial production conditions.

Automated summary

The metallurgical performance of a double-parameter oxygen lance in a 260 t converter was studied, focusing on the influence of nozzle arrangement on cavity size, mixing ability, and splashing capacity. Results showed that nozzle inclination affected cavity diameter while nozzle flow ratio impacted cavity depth. Increasing large-nozzle gas flow rate improved stirring strength but could result in increased splashing, highlighting the need for flow control to prevent steel splash.