Fig. 63.—Latest Form of Silica-Lined Barrel Converter.
(a) The silica-lined barrel converter varies somewhat in size, the Anaconda converters were, however, representative of the most convenient dimensions.
The shell consists of ¾-inch boiler plate, 8 feet in diameter, and 12 feet 6 inches long. The converter is constructed in two portions, the body and the hood, in order to facilitate removal, relining, and general repairs. The ends are lined with 9 inches of firebrick, and the body with 4 inches; it is then rammed with lining material to a thickness of about 18 inches in all parts. There are 16 1-inch tuyeres placed horizontally, and in the latest forms of converter, the air is supplied by individual tuyeres which are connected to the blast box, and which are provided with ball-valves to prevent leakages and back-running during the necessary punching. The cavity is about 8 feet × 4 feet by 6 feet deep when first made, and the converter then holds conveniently about 7 tons of matte. The weight of lining is about 16 tons, and it lasts six to nine blows. The blast-pressure used is 16 lbs. per square inch.
The hood is bolted on to the body, and is furnished with conical safety-pieces to give notice of the wearing through of the lining. The converters tilt upon rails, which are strapped round the body, and which travel upon rollers. Motion is communicated to the converter either by connection with an electrical drive, or very often by hydraulic power connecting through a rack to a pinion attached to one of the trunnions. The air supply is usually from piston-driven blowing engines, communicating through a blast pipe to the hollow supporting trunnion of the converter, from which the air passes to the blast box.
Fig. 64.—Longitudinal Section of Basic-Lined Converter.
(b) The Basic-lined Converter.—The adoption of basic linings is of such recent date that although the present form appears to have given satisfaction, later developments in basic practice may cause further modifications in design. R. H. Vail gives the following details:—
As at present operated, the basic-lined converters are long barrel-shaped vessels consisting of a ¾-inch steel shell, 23 feet long and 10 feet in diameter, lined with magnesite materials so as to leave a cavity about 20 feet × 7 feet × 6 feet. Air is supplied from thirty-two 1¼-inch tuyeres, each separately connected with the blast box and controlled by a valve. Provision has to be made for the marked expansion of the basic lining-material by leaving the top of the steel shell open, joining-up the free ends by tie-rods (13, Fig. 65), whilst the tuyere-pipe connections are flexible. The main opening or throat, for the charging of matte and flux, is situated in the arch at one end of the converter; it is 40 inches in diameter, and surmounted by a short chimney-cap of iron, which is 30 inches high and lined inside with clay. The vessel is charged through this opening. Metal and slag are poured from the converter through an opening in the side opposite the tuyeres, which is kept closed by bricks during the operations. An oil-burner is provided at one end, for the purpose of supplying such extra heat as might be required, in consequence of undue cooling of the copper towards the end of the blow or for heating up the lining after repairs. The converter is supported as in acid practice, though a tilting device employing wire ropes attached to hydraulic plungers is now being introduced in place of the rack and pinion method.