RH Vacuum Degasser
The Ruhrstahl Heraeus (RH) vacuum recirculation process is carried out in a refractory-lined vessel equipped with two snorkels immersed in the steel bath. The process is focused on decarburization and degassing and is the best suitable system for the production of Ultra Low Carbon Steel grades.
Overview
In the Ruhrstahl Heraeus (RH) unit, vacuum treatment of the melt is carried out in a refractory-lined vessel equipped with two snorkels immersed in the steel bath. As system pressure is reduced, the melt rises into the vessel and circulation is induced by the injection of inert gas into the up-leg snorkel. The RH unit is usually employed for vacuum treatment and decarburization of long sequences of low-carbon steel grades.
Oxygen blowing rates of 2.000 - 4.000 Nm3/h and installed burner capacities of 2 - 4 MW are typical design features. For process supervision the lance can be equipped with a TV camera. In addition the Top Lance can be equipped with a powder blowing function in order to conduct a deep desulfurization of the steel.
Technical data
RH:
- Fast decarburization down to 15 ppm
- Hydrogen and nitrogen removal
- Use of less expensive high-carbon alloys
- Chemical heating of killed and un-killed heats
Top blowing lance system:
- Oxygen blowing for forced decarburization and chemical heating
- Heating of RH vessel refractory material by gas /oxygen combustion
- Powder blowing for desulfurization Fast skull removal by usage of the oxygen jet
- Advanced ignition by external ignition facility
Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH; 300 t RH Plant:
- Suction capacity of vacuum pump: 800 kg/h @ 0,67 mbar // 4000 kg/h @ 100 mbar
- Oxygen blowing rate: 2.500 Nm3/h
- Heating burner capacity: 3,5 MW
- Snorkle diameter: 650 mm
- Steel circulation rate: approx. 150 t/min
- Number of alloy bunkers: 18
- Vacuum alloying: 2 Alloy hoppers // 2 Direct feeders Al/Scrap
- Fume treatment plant: 90.000 m3/h
- Wire feeding: 4 strand
Innovation
Own vacuum pump design (Steam Ejector VP, Hybrid VP)
Own top lance technology incl. powder blowing
Own ignition chamber integrated in vacuum sealing system for top lance
Own level 2 PCS including powder blowing model
Safety & Automation
Safety
Highest safety standards and continuous condition monitoring of the equipment and process
Automation
Depending on the various steel grade and quality demands as well as pre- and post-process cycle times, Tenova automation systems handle all types of process variants and operational procedures for ladle treatment facilities and furnaces, as well as vacuum degassing plants (RH, VD, VOD).
Beside the elementary functionalities, such as basic automation (Level 1 and 2), heat tracking and operator guidance, our process models feature dynamic online optimization for consistent and flexible production.
Environment
Latest Gas cleaning solutions, minimized media consumptions, compact design
Process and environment consulting
Digital
Tenova is pushing the digital transformation and Industry 4.0 and develops innovative solutions that boost your business. Benefiting from state-of-the-art development methods, our software solutions for predictive plant condition, product quality, production planning and energy management contribute in saving operational cost and increasing profitability.
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