SIMETALCIS Gimbal Top    Gimbal top charging system for blast furnace

An automated blast furnace charging system for infinite flexibility in burden profiles

The Gimbal Top Charging System The challenge Success in the harsh and competitive world of iron and steelmaking is determined by costs, quality and the flexibility to meet the rapidly changing demands of the market. Advanced technology and proven solutions is the key for long-term sustainable blast furnace operation. A key challenge for blast furnace operators has always been to assure a continuous and reliable supply of hot metal for the steel plant at uniform quality and at the lowest possible costs.

Our solution

The Gimbal Top charging system provides customers with the opportunity to generate any burden profile, irrespective of the type of material, by directing the charge to any point on the furnace stock line. The means of providing this distribution is with an innovative design of concentric gimbal rings, through a system that is directly driven by hydraulic cylinders. This arrangement allows the chute angle and position to be adjusted during the material discharge period. The innovative flexibility of chute movement and the simplicity of the drive unit will provide maximum charging flexibility at minimal investment cost generating significant improvement in blast furnace operation. This innovative new design has been designed as a mechatronic package in order to unite the merits of the equipment with our wealth of knowledge in blast furnace process control specifically through the VAiron optimisation models.

Good reasons for SIMETALCIS Gimbal Top

Simple, robust lever mechanism resulting in cheaper maintenance by avoiding long shutdowns

Optimised furnace operation in terms of fuel rates

Reduction in coke usage

Increased fuel injection rates

Even chute wear, prolonging the life