DOI: 10.52150/2522-9117-2026-40-020

H. Yu. Kriachko¹, Ph. D. (Tech.), Assoc. Prof., ORCID 0000-0002-8773-508X
Ye. M. Siharov^1,*, D. Sc. (Tech.), Professor, ORCID 0000-0002-8229-7877

¹Dniprovsky State Technical University
^*Corresponding author: en_sigarev@ua.fm

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BLAST FURNACE SMELTING INTENSITY, BURDEN COLUMN STRUCTURE AND RADIAL GAS DISTRIBUTION

Abstract. This study investigates the influence of smelting intensity on the formation of the burden column structure and radial gas distribution in blast furnace cross-sections. Based on the analysis of frozen burden columns obtained during furnace operation at different levels of smelting intensity, structural changes in the column caused by process intensification were identified. An increase in intensity leads to a higher upper part of the coke layer and a larger overall coke volume, while simultaneously increase the number of gas-conducting gaps. Furthermore, intensification diminishes arch formation in the plastic zone, there by lowering the resistance of the coke layer. A comparison of operating conditions in a 1754 m³ blast furnace at smelting intensities of 0.650 and 1.009 t/m³·day (a 1.55-fold increase) demonstrated significant structural and gas-distribution changes: the non-uniformity coefficient of radial CO₂ concentration increased from 21–30%, while the degree of CO_2P/CO_2C underutilization was decreased from 0.89 to 0.65. These findings indicate that higher smelting intensity promotes a more stable burden structure, ensuring more efficient utilization of the furnace volume (1754 m³, Dniprovskiy Metallurgical Plant). For furnaces of various capacities, a correlation was observed between process intensification and the development of peripheral–axial zones in radial gas distribution. Specifically, smelting intensity increased by 9% (per unit of coke consumption) in a 2000 m³ Cherepovets furnace and by 8% in a 1300 m³ Magnitogorsk furnace due to the activation of peripheral zones. It is emphasized that, under relatively stable external conditions, any intensification of the blast furnace process occurs through the opening of peripheral–axial channels. The cross-sectional dimensions of these channels determine the thermal and reducing capacity of the gas flow and, ultimately, the efficiency of blast furnace operation.

Key words: blast furnace, smelting intensity, structure, burden column, radial gasdistribution, peripheral-axial channels.

For citation: Kriachko, H. Yu., & Siharov, Ye. M. (2026). The relationship between blast furnace smelting intensity, burden column structure and radial gas distribution. Fundamental and applied problems of ferrous metallurgy, 40, 320-331. https://doi.org/10.52150/2522-9117-2026-40-020

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Рукопис надійшов до редакції / Received 23.11.2025
Рекомендовано до друку / Accepted 28.05.2026
Опубліковано / Published 30.05.2026