Numerical Simulation of Improved Impact Echo Method for Detecting the Thickness of Blast Furnace Hearth Lining

This article delves into the critical task of monitoring the thickness of blast furnace hearth linings, a key factor in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of iron and steel production. The focus is on the impact echo (IE) method, a non-destructive testing technique that uses elastic waves to detect thickness and internal defects. The article introduces two innovative equivalent wave velocity formulas, Coupled P-wave Velocity (CPV) and Coupled P-wave and S-wave Velocities (CPSV), designed to address the challenges of calibrating wave velocity in multi-layer media. These formulas are integrated into impact echo equation methods, CPV-TE and CPSV-TE, which are tested through finite element modeling and practical applications. The study validates these methods against different model layers, varying thicknesses, and complex erosion geometries, demonstrating their superior accuracy compared to traditional techniques. The article concludes with a real-world application, using the CPSV-TE method to predict the thickness of a blast furnace lining, confirming the need for overhaul and aligning with the furnace's actual condition. This comprehensive analysis highlights the potential of the CPSV formula and CPSV-TE method for enhancing the safety monitoring of blast furnace hearths during production.