Comparing the Accuracy of Acousto Ultrasonic-Echo (NDT), Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and Drilling When Obtaining a Blast Furnace Refractory Lining Wear Profile
Authors: A. Sadri, P. Marinelli, E. Doro, P. Gebski and A. Rampersad
Association for Iron & Steel Technology (AISTech 2009) Conference, May 4 - 7, 2009

Abstract

During its eleven year campaign, Ternium Siderar No. 2 blast furnace experienced severe hearth bottom wear. The innovative Hatch Acousto Ultrasonic-Echo (AU-E) NDT technique, along with FEA methods, was used to obtain the hearth refractory wear profile. Upon completion of the campaign, the sidewalls and the hearth were drilled to determine the physical refractory thickness, quality, and condition. The results of two AU-E surveys were then compared with the thicknesses that were predicted by the FEA modeling and the extracted drilled cores.