Recovery of unburnt gases from oxygen blown converters

Characteristics of the unburnt gases from oxygen blown converters have been examined, discussed and compared to show that their recovery is highly advantageous. Some difficulties are encountered in connecting the converter mouth to the recovery device. The tight connection system patented by the Cie.des Ateliers et Forges de la Loire (France) and the open connection method patented by the Institut de Recherches de la Siderurgie Francaise (France) have been described in detail and their performances discussed. On the basis of the experience gained and the data collected from plant trials the author concludes that unburnt gases from oxygen blown converters can be safely recovered and cleaned and that recuperation of their latent heat will substantially increase the thermal efficiency of the steel process. (Dr. H. Malcor-Chairman, Cie. Des Forges et Acieries de la Marine, Firminy, Saint-Etienne, General Manager, Cie des Ateliers et Forges de la Loire and Hony. Chairman, IRSID, France)