Improvement of the BOF process by use of a radar measurement at the Dillinger Hutte steelplant

In order to achieve a comparatively stable BOF process, a radar measurement equipment was installed at the two 185 t vessels at the Dillinger Huttenwerke steelplant. The level of liquid steel in the converter can be measured quickly and easily with the radar unit for every heat. With this installation, the distance between the tip of the oxygen blowing lance and the bath surface can be adjusted in accordance to process conditions. As a result, metallurgical and technological improvements were achieved, e.g. the Fe-content of the slag was reduced and the lime consumption could be lowered as well. A more even lining wear could be observed and the service life of lance tips was increased.