2025年11月26日星期三

Research and Application of Composite Blowing Technology in Electric Arc Furnace Steelmaking

Date: December 29, 2016
Source: Municipal Science and Technology Committee

Awarded Project: Research and Application of Composite Blowing Technology in Electric Arc Furnace Steelmaking

Main Contributors: Zhu Rong, Liu Runzao, Li Lin, Wang Guanglian, Wen Desong, Feng Xiaoming, Chen Lie, Sun Qunbao, Dong Kai, Chen Sanya

Main Organizations:

University of Science and Technology Beijing
China Iron & Steel Research Institute Group Co., Ltd.
Tianjin Pipe Corporation
Laiwu Steel Co., Ltd.
Xinyu Steel Group Co., Ltd.
Xining Special Steel Co., Ltd.
Hengyang Hualing Steel Pipe Co., Ltd.

Recommended by: China Iron and Steel Association
Award Level: Second Prize of National Science and Technology Progress Award

1. Project Background

Problems such as long refining cycles, low energy utilization, unstable steel quality, and high production costs have long hindered the advancement of electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking technology. Domestically and internationally, methods such as ultra-high-power electricity supply and intensive chemical energy input are commonly used. However, these approaches do not fundamentally solve issues such as insufficient molten pool stirring and slow material and energy transfer. High-temperature gas disturbances inside the furnace lead to low oxygen utilization and excessive steel oxidation.

In 2002, the project team aimed to achieve high-efficiency, low-consumption, energy-saving, and high-quality EAF steelmaking. They proposed and developed a new generation of EAF steelmaking technology—“Composite Blowing Technology for EAF Steelmaking”. This technology integrates innovations such as cluster oxygen supply, synchronous long-life bottom-blowing stirring, and efficient waste heat recovery. Energy supply is optimized through a combination of electricity and various clustered oxygen injection methods (submerged, furnace wall, furnace top). Gas and powder mixtures strengthen molten pool stirring, while dynamic control balances energy supply and exhaust heat recovery. By 2011, the technology had completed innovative research and achieved industrial application.

2. Main Technical Content

Developed cluster jet oxygen supply technology for EAF steelmaking.
Created safe and long-life EAF bottom-blowing devices.
Established an intelligent energy balance system integrating electricity, oxygen supply, decarburization, and waste heat recovery.
Achieved intelligent composite blowing integration in EAF steelmaking.

3. Intellectual Property

16 national invention patents granted
10 utility model patents granted
3 software copyrights registered
1 industry standard established
106 academic papers published (52 indexed by SCI/EI)
1 monograph published

4. Technical and Economic Indicators & Promotion

After adopting this technology:

Average electricity consumption per ton of steel decreased by 13 kWh
Steel raw material consumption reduced by 15.5 kg
Waste heat recovered: 15.8 kgce
CO2 emission reduced by 46.3 kg
Cost reduced by 64.2 RMB per ton of steel

The technology has been applied to over 100 EAFs in more than 60 domestic and international steel enterprises, including Tianjin Pipe Corporation. Complete patented equipment sets have sold over 100 units, and spare parts sales exceed 20,000 units, covering over 30% of domestic EAF steel capacity. Relevant technology and products have been exported to Italy, Russia, South Korea, and other countries. Between 2013 and 2015, the project generated 615 million RMB in new sales and 610 million RMB in new profits. Annual electricity savings of 850 million kWh and CO2 emission reduction of 1 billion kg are achieved.

This project has significantly improved China’s EAF steelmaking processes and equipment manufacturing capabilities, promoting the development of high-end equipment manufacturing and advancing EAF technology.