DESteel production
Limestone, coke and sinter − raw materials for steelmaking
Beside iron ore, limestone, coke and different additives are also necessary for the production of raw iron. To make use of the generated by-products, sinter and coke are produced and stored directly in the smelting works. The sometimes very hot products place heavy demands on the implemented sensors.
VEGAPULS 68 for monitoring the optimal height of the sinter bed
To achieve a better gas exchange in the blast furnace, the iron ore and the additives are baked together during the sintering process. This is where VEGAPULS 68 shows its prowess. The sensor reliably measures the level without being affected by the high temperatures. To protect the sensor electronics from the high temperatures, the antenna is mounted separate from the sensor with an angled antenna extension and additionally cooled with air. The application range of the sensors extends from level measurement in the charging bunker of the sinter cooler to height measurement on the sinter cooler or even on the sinter belt conveyor.
Coke – as important as the iron ore itself
Coke delivers the necessary process heat and serves as a reducing agent and supporting matrix in the blast furnace. Coke is produced in the coking plant by heating coal under the exclusion of air.
Coke production is monitored at all process stages
To reach the most optimal operating conditions, oven pressure is regulated separately in the individual ovens of modern coking plants. Due to the very small pressure ranges, a highly sensitive sensor with a measuring range of only +/- 5 mbar is required for the pressure measurement. VEGABAR 52 performs beautifully here. Its ceramic capacitive measuring cell of highly purified ceramic ensures excellent stability and delivers exceptionally high accuracy. Light nitrogen rinsing in the pressure line also protects the measuring cell from aggressive gases.
