Blast Furnace Level Measurement Solutions

Level measurement in blast furnaces is a critical process that employs advanced technologies such as radar sensors and robust mechanical systems to monitor both the burden level at the top of the furnace and the molten metal level tapping into the torpedo car or iron ladle, ensuring stable and efficient blast furnace operation.

Matsushima Measure Tech Japan is one of the pioneer in this application since 1980's and have been providing both latest technologies and mature solutions.

Two main technologies are used to measure the burden level (stockline) in blast furnaces, which are radar and mechanical stockline indicators.

Both systems are essential for controlling burden distribution in the blast furnace.

By monitoring the burden surface level, they contribute to more stable and efficient furnace operation.

Radar-type BF stockline level indicators provide non-contact, continuous measurement of burden surface levels inside blast furnaces. Using high-frequency radar technology, they deliver stable and reliable level detection even under extreme conditions such as high temperature, heavy dust, pressure fluctuations, and gas flow.

Their fast response and strong signal penetration enable accurate monitoring of stockline behavior, supporting optimized burden distribution, improved process stability, enhanced operational safety, and reduced maintenance requirements in ironmaking operations.

• Non-contact measurement with electromagnetic wave principle is unaffected by operating temperature or changing gas compositions.
• Almost maintenance free because there is no mechanical moving parts.
• Continuous measurement even during material charging.
• Detection of material slipping and hanging possible.
• Long measurement range up to the bottom of furnace.
• Cost effective (both initial cost and running cost) comparing to the mechanical system.

The mechanical stockline recorder system by Matsushima Measure Tech provides reliable and proven measurement of burden surface levels in blast furnace operations.

Using a robust wire-rope and sensing-weight mechanism, it directly tracks stockline movement under harsh conditions such as high temperatures, dust, gas flow, and pressure fluctuations.

Its simple, durable construction ensures stable long-term operation, making it an essential tool for burden distribution control and for achieving stable and efficient blast furnace performance.

• Uses a cable drum and measuring weight housed in a gas-tight casing.
• Operates at an ascent speed of 60 m/min and a descent speed of 42 m/min.
• Matsushima Measure Tech offers a unique torque control system with a slipping clutch mechanism, enabling easy adjustment and stable operation without susceptibility to electrical noise.
• The slipping clutch system eliminates the need for complex electrical torque control or parameter settings, reducing commissioning effort and troubleshooting.

Torpedo cars are horizontal cylindrical containers used to transport molten iron tapped from a blast furnace at high temperatures of over 1,400degC.

Accurate level measurement is essential for the safe and efficient loading of this molten iron.

The Radar Type Torpedo Car Level Measurement System provides non-contact, continuous monitoring of molten iron levels inside torpedo cars.

Utilizing high-frequency radar technology, it ensures stable and accurate measurement even under extreme conditions such as high temperatures, dust, vapor, and harsh operating environments.

By eliminating direct contact with molten metal, the system reduces maintenance requirements while enhancing operational safety.

Reliable level data supports optimized filling control, prevents overfilling, and contributes to safer, more efficient hot metal transportation in steelmaking operations.

• Matsushima Measure Tech Radar Level Transmitters have been widely used for over 50 years.
• Installed on the casting floor, the system transmits microwaves through an antenna toward the molten iron surface inside the torpedo car. The reflected signals are received and processed to provide continuous level measurement.
• Accurate monitoring of the filling status improves operational safety and enables more efficient torpedo car operation, leading to increased productivity.
• In addition, the non-contact measurement principle contributes to reduced operating costs and labor requirements.