Domestic First! Retrofitted Slag-Stopping Vehicle Enables 300-ton Converter to Achieve Breakthrough in "Dual Slag-Stopping" Process

Recent news from ESP Thin Plate Plant! Through independent innovation, the steelmaking team has successfully upgraded a decommissioned 60-ton converter slag-stopping vehicle for application in 300-ton converters, achieving precise "dual slag-stopping" control. This groundbreaking achievement not only fills the domestic technical gap in dual slag-stopping equipment for 300-ton converters, but also establishes an innovative development model of "equipment revitalization through retrofitting" for the company.

**Equipment Breakthrough: Small Device Empowers Large Converter in "Mission Impossible" Challenge**

With increased production tempo and enlarged tap hole diameter in 300-ton steelmaking, existing slide gate slag-stopping systems exhibited slag entrainment during late-stage tapping, affecting steel quality, accelerating furnace lining erosion, and increasing raw material costs. The team broke conventional thinking by retrofitting the 60-ton slag-stopping vehicle through telescopic arm extension, hydraulic system upgrades, and PLC system enhancements. This creative solution addressed equipment operational limitations and achieved precise motion control compatible with 300-ton converter processes. The upgraded vehicle, combined with existing slag detection vision systems, significantly improved slag-stopping success rates.

**Technical Innovation: Effective Slag Reduction Enhances Steel Quality**

Post-retrofit, the 300-ton converter's "dual slag-stopping" process effectively reduces inclusions and improves steel purity. The enhanced vehicle enables rapid and accurate slag-stopping plug deployment during early tapping to prevent slag entry into ladles, while optimizing molten steel flow patterns in late tapping stages to minimize slag entrainment.

**Efficiency Gains: Dual-Purpose Upgrade Delivers Compound Benefits**

Experimental data shows the dual slag-stopping system reduces phosphorus reversion by 20% in refining processes, improves steel cleanliness, and decreases steel material consumption by 1 kg/t. This "minor modification, major benefit" practice vividly demonstrates sustainable development through "technological innovation revitalizing existing assets," laying solid foundation for annual cost reduction targets in 300-ton steelmaking. The successful retrofit exemplifies ESP Thin Plate Plant's innovation capabilities, while providing precise data support for subsequent suspended dual slag-stopping upgrade projects.