Published online by Cambridge University Press: 07 May 2004
Blast furnace No. 1 of Companhia Siderúrgica de Tubarão has been in continuous operation for 20 years, accomplishing a high operational performance with high productivity and low fuel consumption. With a view to reach the major objective of 18,500 t/m3/IV of productivity, several works have been carried out in order to extend the furnace campaign until 2008. This paper presents the results of these activities along with a proposal for a new concept of hearth wear.