Hot Metal Torpedo Car

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Hot Metal Torpedo Car

Definition

The Hot Metal Torpedo Car is a specialized rail vehicle used in integrated steel plants to transport molten iron, also known as hot metal, from the blast furnace to steelmaking facilities such as the basic oxygen furnace (BOF). Its torpedo-shaped design, combined with a refractory lining, minimizes heat loss and maintains the iron in a liquid state during transit. The car operates on rails, moving between blast furnace tapping stations and steelmaking units, where the molten iron is poured into transfer ladles or directly into the BOF vessel. Key components include a steel structure, refractory brick lining, and insulation materials. The car's nominal capacity ranges from 150 to 600 tonnes, with a tare weight of 80 to 200 tonnes. Operating temperature is between 1200 and 1500 °C, and the refractory lining thickness is typically 300 to 500 mm. The car is designed for standard gauge tracks (1435 mm) and can travel at speeds up to 20–30 km/h, subject to safety and track conditions. Axle load must not exceed 35 tonnes to comply with rail infrastructure limits. The car features a tilting mechanism with a tilting angle of ±45° for complete emptying, driven by a hydraulic system operating at 16–25 MPa. Electrical control voltage is 24 V DC ±10%, and the IP rating ranges from IP54 to IP65 for protection against dust and water jets. All parameters are reference values and must be verified with the legal manufacturer or supplier for specific models and applications. Standards such as GB/T 10082, GB/T 146.1, ISO 4413, IEC 61131-2, and IEC 60529 are listed as procurement references, not as proof of certification or compliance.

Working Principle

The torpedo-shaped car is lined with refractory brick and insulation to minimize heat loss, keeping molten iron at temperatures between 1200 and 1500 °C during transport. The car moves on rails between blast furnace tapping stations and steelmaking facilities. At the destination, a hydraulic tilting mechanism, operating at 16–25 MPa, tilts the car up to ±45° to pour the molten iron into transfer ladles or directly into the BOF vessel. The design ensures efficient transport while maintaining the iron's liquid state.

Common Materials

Refractory brick/lining, Steel plate/structure, Insulation materials

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Nominal Capacity	150–600 t	Determines transport efficiency per trip.
Operating Temperature	1200–1500 °C	Molten iron temperature; refractory lining must withstand.
Track Gauge	1435 mm	Standard gauge; other gauges available on request.GB/T 10082
Max Travel Speed	20–30 km/h	Limited by safety and track conditions.
Tare Weight	80–200 t	Affects axle load and infrastructure requirements.
Axle Load	≤35 t	Must comply with rail infrastructure limits.GB/T 146.1
Refractory Lining Thickness	300–500 mm	Critical for thermal insulation and lining life.
Tilting Angle	±45 °	Needed for complete emptying of molten iron.
Hydraulic System Pressure	16–25 MPa	Drives tilting and door mechanisms.ISO 4413
Electrical Control Voltage	24 V DC ±10% V	Standard for control circuits.IEC 61131-2
IP Rating	IP54–IP65	Protects against dust and water jets.IEC 60529

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

Torpedo-shaped vessel
Main container for molten iron with refractory lining

Material: Steel shell with refractory lining
Rail chassis
Mobile platform for rail transport between facilities

Material: Structural steel
Tilting mechanism
Controls pouring of molten iron at destination

Material: Steel and hydraulic components
Refractory lining Part
Insulates and protects steel shell from molten iron

Material: Refractory bricks/materials

Manufacturers of Hot Metal Torpedo Car

Manufacturer profiles associated with Hot Metal Torpedo Car.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical capacity range of a hot metal torpedo car?

The nominal capacity is typically between 150 and 600 tonnes, depending on the model. This value determines transport efficiency per trip and should be confirmed with the manufacturer for specific applications.

How does the torpedo car maintain molten iron temperature?

The car uses a refractory brick lining and insulation materials to minimize heat loss. The operating temperature range is 1200–1500 °C, and the refractory lining thickness is typically 300–500 mm. These values must be verified for the specific car model.

What are the key operational parameters to consider?

Key parameters include track gauge (1435 mm standard), max travel speed (20–30 km/h), axle load (≤35 t), tilting angle (±45°), hydraulic system pressure (16–25 MPa), and electrical control voltage (24 V DC ±10%). All are reference values and must be confirmed with the supplier.

What standards apply to the hot metal torpedo car?

Standards such as GB/T 10082 for track gauge, GB/T 146.1 for axle load, ISO 4413 for hydraulic systems, IEC 61131-2 for control voltage, and IEC 60529 for IP rating are listed as procurement references. They do not imply certification; verify compliance with the manufacturer.

Data Basis

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

Preliminary Technical Classification

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pressure:	Atmospheric (open ladle design, no pressure containment)
other spec:	Capacity: 200-400 tons molten iron, Travel speed: 5-15 km/h, Tilt angle: 90-120° for pouring
temperature:	1300-1500°C (molten iron temperature range)

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