Blast Furnace Charging using Altair EDEM

Bulk and granular materials such as iron ore, coal, pellets and sinter are at the core of the iron & steelmaking process. Efficient handling and processing of those materials are critical to achieving efficiency, however, there are many challenges that engineers face for the different stages of the ironmaking process. In addition, steelmaking companies are under immense pressure to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions whilst maintaining steel quality.

One of the main processes that are subject to this improvement on emissions and efficiency, whilst maintaining steel quality, are blast furnaces. The charging of the blast furnace which has a significant impact on its efficiency, energy usage and product quality can be simulated and optimized with Altair® EDEM™ simulation software. Using EDEM, you can model large systems like the charging of a blast furnace, providing highly relevant information on the efficiency of the process from a virtual model. This allows you to optimize the burden distribution and predict any segregation or wear on the distributor chute and staves.