2019 Pittsburgh AISTech

Pyrophoric Dust Formation During Vacuum Degassing: Uncovering the Determining Factors (Room 410)

07 May 19
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Tracks: Ladle & Secondary Refining

Speaker(s): Marco Vidonis, Danieli; Franco Gandin, Sales & Technology Manager, Steelmaking, Danieli & C. SpA; Harald Koblenzer, Director Process Technology, Steelmaking, Danieli & C. Officine Meccaniche S.p.A.

Vacuum degassing plants driven by mechanical vacuum pumps are characterized by the production, during the process, of dry dust, which can occasionally show pyrophoric properties. Sudden dust ignition causes a risk for personnel and equipment, delays in production and loss of productivity. This is a well-known problem, but little data is available to determine its root causes. Results of our study at ABS Italy suggest the determining factors in the formation of pyrophoric dust are steel temperature, ladle life and flux additions during vacuum. We propose that this readily available process data can be used to predict pyrophoricity.