Yoshitoshi Saito

A Stray Field Imaging Study of the Drying Process of Precasting Materials used in a Steel Making Converter

Optimization of the drying process conditions in a steel-making converter in a steel work is very critical since the process is off-line and time-consuming. However, it is important to optimize these conditions (temperature, surfactants, etc.), as steam explosion can readily occur with insufficient drying time. To help understand this process, we have demonstrated that we can monitor the drying of real refractory mortar using Stray Field Imaging. We chose this method because of the possibility of detecting short T2 components. This paper shows the effect on the drying rate of varying water content in different materials. In particular, we find that the free water loss rate is relatively independent of water content. However the bound water loss rate is more affected. It is clear that imaging gives useful information for optimizing drying conditions. Using this data, we can adjust and optimize the drying process and time in steel works.