Improved Flux Practice and Its Impact on the Lining Life in Oxygen Steelmaking Vessels in India

Proper control of the path of slag formation in BOF steel-making is peremptory to achieve improved lining life and performance indices. Under Indian conditions, the formation of initial basic slag is extremely difficult owing to constraints of input materials. Several techno-logical routes were examined to enhance initial slag formation. Technology has been developed to achieve a basicity of 2.5 at 15-20% blow and to contain Feo3t content of the final slag. The effect of supersaturation of slag by Mgo in both the halves of the blow in reducing the lining erosion has been evaluated. These technological measures have helped in development of process technology for achieving higher lining life at Rourkela Steel Plant.