Estudo de caso da eficiência de peneiramento na distribuição de coque para alto-forno
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Abstract
The raw materials charged into the blast furnace have a significant influence on the operational parameters and controls of the reactor. The permeability of the charge inside the blast furnace is directly related to the size and shape of the raw materials loaded into it. Therefore, understanding the efficiency of the screening system in the charge preparation process becomes fundamental in controlling the entry of fines, which negatively affect the passage of gases generated in the raceway towards the top of the blast furnace. This work aims to conduct a case study on a coke screening system at a steel plant, seeking to understand its screening efficiency and separation quality. The study addresses the concepts of charge preparation for a blast furnace, with a focus on the reductant charge (coke), which accounts for approximately 30% of steel production costs. It examines the particle size separation stage using granulometric analysis methods of the fed coke and the generated products, observing the influence and relevance of moisture. It also analyzes the condition of the system and the existing controls to propose improvement actions directly linked to the actual process conditions. For this purpose, 20 samples were taken over a period of 5 days. These samples were collected from the feed and the three generated granulometric fractions, with granulometric and moisture analyses conducted in the steel plant's internal laboratory. The generated data were used to plot granulometric curves of these samples and determine the average size. To determine the screening efficiency, in addition to formulations described by Carvalho (2004), the fraction retained at 11 mm was determined by applying the Rosin-Rammler-Bennet particle size distribution law. The screening system's efficiency was below the expected range of 80 to 90% for industrial screening. The first deck showed an average value of approximately 77%, with the retention of coarse particles above 25 mm reaching values above 90%. On the second deck, the overall average efficiency was 58%, with a maximum product recovery above 11 mm of 78%. The fine recovery efficiency was adequate for both decks, generating an average value of approximately 90%. Based on the evaluation of process variables and the current condition of the system, it was possible to propose simple actions, such as establishing a periodic screen replacement routine, which could improve granulometric separation performance and potentially enhance blast furnace performance by reducing the entry of fines from the purely reductant charge (coke).
