A simple methodology based on numerical analysis for the drying curve design of a castable lined steel ladle

Abstract

Energy efficiency is closely linked to industry goals of reducing environmental impacts, where selecting the best heating curve has a great effect on the total energy consumption, costs, and CO2 emission, especially for refractory castable lining equipment. By using numerical modeling, this work analyses the effects of the temperature and heating rate for thermal treatment profiles comprising a single dwell time. Based on the results attained, a single plateau at 350 °C proved not to be useful for lower thickness castable lining (10 cm) as the resistance ratio peak had already reached high values near the beginning of the dwell time. Increasing the castable wall thickness up to 30 cm requires even more complex profiles than the ones presented. In addition to analysing pressure build-up behavior, this work compared the energy efficiency associated with each of the heating curve cases analyzed, providing a methodology for heating schedule selection.