The report gives results of a study of the basic oxygen process (BOP) hot metal charging emission control technology, conducted with a 900 kg pilot vessel designed for the experiments. Complete instrumentation was provided to measure the emissions, the effectiveness of the various systems investigated, and the BOP operating parameters. Twenty heats were made: four had no emission controls operating, to establish base line conditions; three used a slot hood; six used inert gas purging of the vessel, to suppress emissions at the source; two were to evaluate the closure plate concept; two were launder pours (pouring through the vessel hood); two were tests of a canopy hood; and the last was an evaluation of slow hot metal pouring. These tests showed that: a means of minimizing kish carryover will reduce emissions; slot hoods and gas purging are not practical; systems such as closure plates and launders, which allow the vessel to remain under the main hood, are effective; and canopy hoods are effective, if large enough. The study also included: tabulation of domestic BOP shops; an historical review of BOP steelmaking; the influence of scrap type on the type and amount of potential emissions; a survey of BOP charging emission controls in use or which have been tried; and emission tests of a production BOP vessel during hot metal charging.

Contract no. 68-02-1370, ROAP no. 21AQR-05, program element no. 1AB604. Oct. 1977.