InnoKon – Innovative non-stick surface to increase the service life of oxygen lances on the converter

Initial situation:

  • In the converter process, oxygen is supplied via a high-pressure lance.
  • This high-pressure and high-temperature process causes turbulence in the melt, causing drops of iron, slag, and steel to hit the lances and adhere to them.
  • These deposits (called “bears”) are burned off over time - and with considerable energy expenditure - to keep the lance operational

Project targets:

  • Development of a specially conditioned surface that allows iron, slag, and steel droplets to roll off, thereby increasing the operating time of the lances

Innovative approaches:

  • Development and operational testing of a high-temperature-resistant coating in a technologically challenging process environment

Benefits for the industry:

  • Increased service life of converter lances
  • Reduced energy and time required for burning off lance bearings
  • Economic advantages due to lower maintenance costs

Funding source: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action

Duration: 01.10.2020 – 30.09.2024

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