A dynamic mathematical simulation model has been developed in order to study the dynamic behavior of a blast furnace. The model can predict the change of the internal state of the furnace by the numerical integration of a set of first order partial differential equations of the gas and solid state variables in the longitudinal direction. The numerical computation adopted in this model is the method of characteristics to change the partial differential equations to the ordinary differential equations. Ten kinds of chemical reactions including gaseous reduction of ore based on two-interfaces unreacted core model, the heat loss through the wall dependent on the heat capacity of the furnace body, and the heat exchange between gas and solid are considered in this model.
The blow-in operation of a blast furnace has been simulated by the model. The good agreement of the simulated results of the change in the temperature of the furnace refractories as well as the top gas temperature and composition has verified the usefulness of the application of the model to the planning of a blast furnace blow-in operation.