Failure Analysis and Preventive Measure Proposition of Self-Flow Castable Blow Pipe of Blast Furnace Tuyere Stock for Enhancing Reliability

Abstract

In this present study, the failure incidents of self-flow castable blow pipe of high volume blast furnace tuyere stock have been critically investigated. Based on failure analysis of failed blowpipes, possible preventive measures have been proposed. High hot blast pressure has been found to be the condition for occurrence of blowpipe failure. Hence, proper regulation of hot blast pressure is of utmost importance as a preventive measure. To analyse the cause of failure, after installation of blowpipe, the shell temperature is measured on a daily basis. It is observed that when the shell temperature crosses 350 °C, blowpipe jamming occurs. According to preventive step proposition, if the temperature crosses 350 °C and attains 480 °C, the blowpipes are advised to be replaced for maintaining the operation of blast furnace. This study has been done in high volume blast furnace where it is found that the impact of failure is immense with regard to productivity and safety. It has also been found that the compendium of this investigation can be replicated in other high volume blast furnaces and can also be extended to any low volume blast furnace.