Use of an optimisation model for the burden calculation for the blast furnace process

The aim of a burden calculation in the blast furnace process is to compute the amounts of burden materials to be charged for obtaining desired hot-metal and slag composition. Burden calculations are normally based on trial-and-error instead of optimisation. In this study, the use of an optimisation model for a typical blast furnace operation is presented. The yield factors of some components, such as Mn, Si, S, P and V, used in the model have been determined. The more common distribution coefficients have also been studied. Both the yield factor and distribution coefficient values were generally good and showed stable behaviour for repeated periods under similar operational conditions. In this study, the model was found to be an excellent tool for determining burden material amounts and hot-metal and slag compositions for a blast furnace under steady and normal operation conditions. Using an optimising burden calculation model is time efficient, because it demands only 1 calculation procedure instead of a couple calculations as in the case with a trial-and-error method.