Automatic Optimization Operating Time of the Hot Blast Stoves Parallel Mode

The research presents the method of the automatic operating time adjustment of the hot blast stoves’ parallel mode. Hot blast stove characteristics are deteriorating in the process of hot blast unit operation. Characteristics changes are unpredictable and require constant monitoring to adjust switching moments. The goal of switching times determination is to achieve the highest possible hot blast temperature for the current capacity and condition of each hot blast stove, which increases the overall energy of the hot blast smelting and thus improves the metallurgical process indicators. The PD-controller is proposed for the implementation of an automatic switching times determination process. A signal of the hot blast temperature difference at the end of the blast period is sent to the controller input, and the output signal of the controller will be the ratio coefficient of the operating periods of the hot blast stoves. The choice of period ratio rather than time change itself as the required parameter is due to the necessity of stable total cycle time of the air heater unit operating in parallel mode.