State Scientific Center of RF All-Russian Design and Research Institute of Metallurgical Machine-Building named after A. I. Tselikov, Russia:

A. V. Protasov, Candidate of Engineering Sciences, Head of an Information and Advertising Department, avp@vniimetmash.ru

I. V. Komolov, Head of a Department of a Complex Projecting of Metallurgical Objects 

The features of existing and newly developed equipment for dosing systems and systems for charging bulky materials in up-to-date electric steelmaking shops are observed. It is shown that dosing and charging of bulky materials is used not only for electric furnaces, but also for ladle furnaces. It is stated that vibration, belt or plate feeders are used most widely. Special discrete or continuous belt or plate feed-control devices are applied for weighing of materials. Distribution and charging of materials in steelmaking furnaces and ladle furnaces is conducted mainly using belt or vibration conveyors, intermediate and ground bunkers, stationary and turning gutters. Combined schemes of feeding alloying and slag-forming materials has been developed by VNIImetmash institute for several enterprises: Norilsk Mining and metallurgical Works, Moldova Metallurgical Works and Casting-Rolling Plant in Yartsevo. Features of scope of equipment and technological properties, experience of operation, advantages and deficiencies and practical recommendations are presented. It is concluded that additional measures for protection of electric equipment from furnace heat radiation and for protection of weighing measuring devices from mechanical effect of materials and vibration are strictly required. It is also necessary to rise weighing precision of discrete material portions.

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