The insulation and safety layer function in the performance of steel ladles

Reference	Presenter	Authors (Institution)	Abstract
14-070	Murilo Henrique Moreira	Campos, M.G.(Federal University of Sao Carlos); Dos Santos, M.F.(Federal University of São Carlos); Pelissari, P.B.(Universidade Federal de São Carlos); Sako, E.Y.(Federal University of Sao Carlos); Angélico, R.A.(Universidade de São Paulo); Pandolfelli, V.C.(Universidade Federal de São Carlos); Moreira, M.H.(Universidade Federal de São Carlos);	Aiming the optimization of metallurgical vessels as the steel ladle, it is important to understand the role of each feature of the lining project on the performance these vessels, according to the quality and costs required to the process. The steel ladle has a fundamental function in the steelmaking process as it is responsible to convey the molten metal, while the bah is being refined and its composition and temperature precisely adjusted. Considering the aspects necessary for the better performance of the process related to the refractory lining design, i.e. teeming temperature, shell temperatures, working capacity, the amount of material and energy consumption etc., the present study investigates how those parameters are influenced by distinct configurations of safety and insulating lining layers. Nowadays, the safety layer is responsible for reducing the shell temperatures and protecting the metallic parts against possible failures of the working layer, and the insulation layer is mainly used to reduce the shell temperatures. The thickness and kind of material applied in these regions might significantly affect the process performance and different scenarios can be easily explored when supported by numerical simulation tools (heat transfer modeling). It is important to highlight that the analyses are performed considering the initial lining geometry and when part of the working layer is already worn, to create a global overview of the evaluated scenarios. Consequently, it is possible to point out new possibilities for the design of steel ladle linings, improving their efficiency and targeting solutions for energy savings and lower environment impacts. For instance, reducing the lining total thickness increases the steel ladle working capacity but it also increases the shell temperatures, which can be minimized by the application of insulation materials. Still, the optimal conditions (geometry and materials) are not easily determined and, herein, discussed.
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