Blast Furnace Structure

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Blast Furnace Structure

Definition

The blast furnace structure is the core component of the Integrated Blast Furnace and Basic Oxygen Furnace Steelmaking System, serving as the primary reaction vessel where iron ore, coke, and limestone are charged and subjected to counter-current gas flow. It provides the necessary containment for the high-temperature reduction process that converts iron oxides into molten pig iron, which is then tapped for further processing in the basic oxygen furnace. The structure comprises a refractory-lined carbon steel shell, cooling staves, and auxiliary equipment. Its effective volume typically ranges from 1000 to 5000 m³, working height from 25 to 40 m, and hearth diameter from 8 to 15 m. The shell plate thickness is usually 25–75 mm, designed to withstand internal gas pressures of 0.2–0.5 MPa and shell temperatures of 300–500 °C, per GB 150. Refractory lining thickness varies by zone, typically 300–800 mm, protecting the shell from higher process temperatures. Cooling water flow rates of 2000–6000 m³/h are required for stave cooling to prevent overheating. The structure includes 20–40 tuyeres for hot blast injection and 2–4 tapholes for continuous iron tapping. Shell material grades such as Q345R, Q370R, and 15MnNbR (per GB 713) are commonly specified for pressure vessel steel with good weldability. The total weight of the structure, including shell, lining, and cooling equipment, ranges from 5000 to 20000 tonnes. These parameters are directory reference ranges and must be confirmed for the actual model and application with the legal manufacturer or supplier.

Working Principle

The blast furnace structure maintains a controlled environment where descending burden materials (iron ore, coke, limestone) interact with ascending hot blast air and reducing gases. The refractory-lined steel shell withstands extreme temperatures (up to 2000°C) and pressures while facilitating heat transfer and chemical reactions that reduce iron oxides to metallic iron. Cooling staves remove excess heat to protect the shell, and tuyeres distribute the hot blast evenly. The design ensures proper burden descent and gas distribution, enabling efficient reduction and collection of molten pig iron at the hearth.

Common Materials

Refractory brick lining, Carbon steel shell, Cooling staves

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Effective Volume	1000–5000 m³	Determines production capacity
Working Height	25–40 m	Affects burden descent and gas distribution
Hearth Diameter	8–15 m	Critical for combustion and liquid iron collection
Shell Plate Thickness	25–75 mm	Thicker for higher pressure and larger diameterGB 150
Design Pressure	0.2–0.5 MPa	Must withstand internal gas pressureGB 150
Design Temperature	300–500 °C	Shell temperature; refractory lining protects from higherGB 150
Refractory Lining Thickness	300–800 mm	Varies by zone; protects shell from high temperature
Cooling Water Flow Rate	2000–6000 m³/h	For stave cooling; insufficient leads to overheating
Tuyere Count	20–40 pcs	More tuyeres improve combustion and distribution
Taphole Count	2–4 pcs	Multiple tapholes allow continuous casting
Shell Material Grade	Q345R, Q370R, 15MnNbR	Pressure vessel steel with good weldabilityGB 713
Weight	5000–20000 t	Includes shell, lining, and cooling equipment

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

Hearth
Collects molten iron and slag, provides tapping facilities

Material: Carbon steel with refractory lining
Bosh Part
Transition zone where burden materials begin melting

Material: Carbon steel with copper cooling staves
Stack
Upper section where burden materials are preheated and initial reduction occurs

Material: Carbon steel with refractory lining
Top Charging System
Distributes raw materials evenly into the furnace

Material: Carbon steel and cast iron
Cooling Staves
Water-cooled plates behind the lining that keep the shell from burning through.
Tuyeres
The water-cooled openings through which the hot blast enters the furnace, evenly around the circumference.

Manufacturers of Blast Furnace Structure

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Compiled and source-reviewed by the CNFX editorial team. Each manufacturer above links to the page on that company's own website where the product is listed, with the date we checked it. How we source and review · Page last updated 16 September 2026

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary function of a blast furnace structure?

It serves as the main reaction vessel where iron ore, coke, and limestone are charged and subjected to high-temperature reduction, producing molten pig iron.

What materials are typically used in the blast furnace structure?

The structure includes a refractory brick lining, a carbon steel shell, and cooling staves. Shell material grades may include Q345R, Q370R, or 15MnNbR per GB 713.

What are typical design parameters for a blast furnace structure?

Effective volume ranges from 1000 to 5000 m³, working height 25–40 m, hearth diameter 8–15 m, shell plate thickness 25–75 mm, design pressure 0.2–0.5 MPa, and design temperature 300–500 °C.

How does cooling work in a blast furnace structure?

Cooling staves use water flow rates of 2000–6000 m³/h to remove heat from the shell, preventing overheating and maintaining structural integrity.

Data Basis

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

Preliminary Technical Classification

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pressure:	0.5-3.0 bar gauge (top pressure operation)
other spec:	Slag basicity (CaO/SiO₂) 1.0-1.3, burden descent rate 5-8 m/h, blast volume 3000-6000 Nm³/min
temperature:	Up to 2200°C (hot metal zone), refractory lining dependent

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