Editorial Technical Reference

Basic Oxygen Furnace Vessel

This page explains how Basic Oxygen Furnace Vessel is classified within Basic Metal Manufacturing. Technical values and manufacturer relationships are research references; confirm the current specification and supplier evidence for each order.

Technical Definition & Core Assembly

The main reaction vessel in a Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) where molten iron is converted into steel through oxygen blowing.

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Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Basic Oxygen Furnace Vessel

Definition
The Basic Oxygen Furnace Vessel is the core component of the Basic Oxygen Furnace within an Integrated Blast Furnace and Basic Oxygen Furnace Steelmaking System. It is a refractory-lined, tiltable steel container designed to hold and process a batch (or 'heat') of molten iron from the blast furnace. Its primary function is to facilitate the decarburization and refining of the molten iron into steel by injecting high-purity oxygen at supersonic speeds, oxidizing impurities like carbon, silicon, manganese, and phosphorus, which are removed as slag or gas. The vessel is typically constructed with a carbon steel shell and a refractory lining, often made of magnesia-carbon or dolomite bricks. The nominal capacity typically ranges from 100 to 300 tonnes, with an inner volume of 80 to 200 cubic meters. The vessel height is typically 8 to 12 meters, and the inner diameter at the barrel section is 5 to 7 meters. The shell thickness is usually 50 to 100 mm, while the refractory lining thickness is 500 to 900 mm. Operating temperatures range from 1600 to 1700°C. The vessel can be tilted at speeds of 0.1 to 1.0 rpm, requiring a tilt torque of 5000 to 15000 kN·m. Oxygen is supplied through a lance at flow rates of 500 to 1500 Nm³/min and pressures of 1.0 to 1.5 MPa. The empty weight, including lining, is typically 300 to 800 tonnes. Lining life, with maintenance practices like gunning and slag splashing, is typically 3000 to 8000 heats. These values are typical reference ranges and must be verified for specific models and applications with the manufacturer or supplier.
Working Principle
The vessel receives a charge of molten iron and scrap steel. It is then tilted to an upright position. A water-cooled oxygen lance is lowered into the vessel, injecting a high-velocity jet of pure oxygen onto the surface of the molten metal bath. This initiates intense exothermic oxidation reactions, primarily of carbon (forming CO/CO₂ gas), which raises the temperature and refines the iron into steel. The vessel is tilted to pour off the slag and, finally, to tap the finished molten steel.
Common Materials
Refractory Lining (e.g., Magnesia-Carbon, Dolomite), Steel Shell
Technical Parameters
ParameterTypical rangeNotes & selection driver
Nominal Capacity100–300 tTypical heat size for BOF vessels
Inner Volume80–200 Determines slag and metal capacity
Height8–12 mOverall vessel height
Inner Diameter5–7 mAt the barrel section
Shell Thickness50–100 mmCarbon steel shell
Refractory Lining Thickness500–900 mmMagnesia-carbon bricks
Operating Temperature1600–1700 °CSteelmaking temperature
Tilt Speed0.1–1.0 rpmFor charging and tapping
Tilt Torque5000–15000 kN·mRequired for tilting full vessel
Oxygen Flow Rate500–1500 Nm³/minThrough lance
Oxygen Pressure1.0–1.5 MPaAt lance inlet
Vessel Weight300–800 tEmpty weight including lining
Lining Life3000–8000 heatsWith gunning and slag splashing

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM
  • Refractory Lining Part
    Provides thermal insulation and chemical resistance against the high-temperature, corrosive molten metal and slag.
    Material: Magnesia-Carbon, Dolomite, or other basic refractories
  • Steel Shell Part
    The structural outer body that contains the refractory lining and supports the trunnion ring.
    Material: Steel plate
  • Trunnion Ring
    A heavy ring attached to the shell that interfaces with the tilting drive mechanism, allowing the vessel to rotate.
    Material: Forged or cast steel
  • Tapping Spout Part
    The chute or opening through which molten steel is poured out during tapping.
    Material: Refractory-lined steel
  • Slagging Spout
    A separate opening or lip used to pour off slag after the oxygen blow.
    Material: Refractory-lined steel

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Complementary Systems
Downstream Applications
Specialized Tooling

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Operational Limits
pressure: Atmospheric to 1.5 bar (slight positive pressure during oxygen blowing)
flow rate: Oxygen flow: 2-4 Nm³/tonne steel/min
temperature: 1500-1700°C (operating range for molten iron/steel)
vessel capacity: 100-400 tonnes per heat
slag concentration: 10-20% by weight (lime-based slag)
Media Compatibility
✓ Molten iron (hot metal) ✓ Lime-based slag (CaO-SiO₂-FeO system) ✓ Oxygen gas (99.5% purity)
Unsuitable: Chlorine-containing environments (causes stress corrosion cracking in refractory lining)
Sizing Data Required
  • Required steel production capacity (tonnes per heat)
  • Oxygen blowing rate (Nm³/min)
  • Refractory lining thickness/life requirements

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Failure Mode & Root Cause
Refractory Lining Degradation
Cause: Thermal cycling and chemical attack from molten steel and slag, leading to spalling, erosion, and thinning of the refractory material.
Tuyere Blockage or Failure
Cause: Accumulation of slag and metallic deposits during oxygen injection, causing reduced flow, backpressure, or mechanical damage to the tuyere assembly.
Maintenance Indicators
  • Excessive heat radiation or localized hot spots on the vessel exterior, indicating refractory wear or failure.
  • Abnormal noises (e.g., whistling, rumbling) during oxygen blowing, suggesting tuyere blockage or improper gas flow.
Engineering Tips
  • Implement a rigorous refractory inspection and gunning program using thermal imaging and thickness measurements to monitor lining condition and perform timely repairs.
  • Optimize oxygen injection parameters and use nitrogen purging between heats to prevent tuyere clogging, coupled with regular mechanical cleaning and replacement schedules.

Indicative industry ranges for design and RFQ preparation. Confirm the exact figures and applicable standard with the manufacturer before specifying.

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards

Applicable Standards
ISO 4706: Refractory linings for steelmaking vessels ASTM A36/A36M: Structural steel for fabrication EN 10025: Hot rolled products of structural steels

Quoted from the published standard.

Manufacturing Precision
  • Vessel shell thickness: +/-5% of nominal
  • Nozzle alignment: +/-2mm from centerline
Quality Inspection
  • Ultrasonic Testing (UT) for weld integrity
  • Thermographic Analysis for refractory lining condition

Manufacturers of Basic Oxygen Furnace Vessel

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary function of a Basic Oxygen Furnace Vessel?

The primary function is to contain the molten iron and scrap charge, and to facilitate the conversion of molten iron into steel by injecting high-purity oxygen to oxidize impurities such as carbon, silicon, manganese, and phosphorus.

What materials are typically used in the construction of the vessel?

The vessel typically has a carbon steel shell and a refractory lining, often made of magnesia-carbon or dolomite bricks. The specific materials and grades should be confirmed with the manufacturer for the actual model.

What are typical capacity and dimensional ranges for BOF vessels?

Typical nominal capacity ranges from 100 to 300 tonnes, inner volume from 80 to 200 m³, height from 8 to 12 m, and inner diameter at the barrel from 5 to 7 m. These are reference ranges and must be verified for specific installations.

How is the vessel tilted and what are the operational parameters?

The vessel is tilted using a drive system that provides a tilt torque of 5000 to 15000 kN·m, allowing tilt speeds of 0.1 to 1.0 rpm. Oxygen is injected through a lance at flow rates of 500 to 1500 Nm³/min and pressures of 1.0 to 1.5 MPa. Always confirm these values with the supplier.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records.

Preliminary Technical Classification
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