USE OF SOLID FUELS IN FURNACES

Abstract

This chapter discusses the use of solid fuels in the production of cast iron, steel and building materials, of which the first is by far the most important. In the furnace field, the most reliable market for solid fuels remains the blast furnace, the development of which has been consolidated by the recent advances which it has undergone. It is certain, on the other hand, that the coke rate will continue to decrease rapidly, so that the total consumption of coke will not run parallel to the development of the production of pig iron. There should be some transformation in the coking industry, on the one hand to meet the development in the quality of coke required by the blast furnaces, and on the other hand to satisfy the demand for small coke and coke fines by the ore sintering plants and possibly by certain processes of direct reduction. It is probable that a certain quantity of coal will be utilized in blast furnaces using tuyere injection. In other furnaces, coal is exposed to lively competition from liquid and gaseous fuels, and its future will depend to a large extent on the trend of prices. The technical progress that appears the most likely to contribute to maintaining its position is the improvement in the uniformity of coal quality and the regularity, accuracy and reliability of the distribution of coal in the kilns.