Graphitization and Performance of Deadman Coke in a Large Dissected Blast Furnace

The graphitization and performance of deadman coke in the blast furnace hearth have an essential influence on the longevity of the blast furnace. In this paper, coke samples were obtained from various heights in a hearth during the overhaul of the blast furnace. The voidage, particle size, graphitization degree, microstructure, and structure evolution of multiple cokes were analyzed through digital image processing, XRD, Raman spectra, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The graphitization results were compared with feed coke, tuyere coke, cohesive zone coke, and deadman coke in reference, and the main findings were analyzed. The following results were obtained. First, the voidage of deadman coke increased and then decreased with the increase of the depth while the particle size continued to decrease. In addition, the consumption rate of coke as a carburizer, reductant, and heart source was 8.47, 30.95, and 60.58%, respectively. Second, the graphitization degree of deadman coke was extremely high and showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. Finally, the evolution mechanism of coke graphitization was proposed. Molten iron, alkali metal, temperature, and mineral were the crucial factors that affect the graphitization of coke. The turning point of the graphitization degree was related to the buoyancy of the hearth.