Question

Bustle pipe is arranged to the blast furnace

• A. for collection of blast furnace gas
• B. for collection of flue dust
• C. to supply the hot blast to the furnace with equal pressure
• D. to discharge the hot metal to the ladles

Hint:

Visualize a blast furnace as a system with distinct inputs and outputs at different levels. Raw materials enter at the top, gas exits at the top, hot blast enters near the bottom (via bustle pipe and tuyeres), and liquid products exit at the very bottom.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
A blast furnace is a large vertical furnace used for smelting iron from its ore. A crucial part of its operation is the injection of a high volume of preheated air, known as the "hot blast," to facilitate the combustion of coke and the reduction of iron ore. The equipment must ensure this hot blast is delivered effectively.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze the function of the bustle pipe and the other options:

• Bustle Pipe: This is a large-diameter, refractory-lined circular main that encircles the blast furnace at a level just above the hearth. Its primary function is to receive the hot blast (hot air) from the hot blast stoves and distribute it uniformly to a series of nozzles called tuyeres. The tuyeres then inject the hot blast into the furnace. The circular design of the bustle pipe ensures that the pressure and volume of the hot blast are equal at each tuyere, promoting uniform combustion and operation across the furnace's cross-section.

• Collection of blast furnace gas/flue dust: This occurs at the top of the furnace through large pipes called uptakes and a downcomer, which lead to a gas cleaning plant. This is completely separate from the bustle pipe.

• Discharge of hot metal: Hot liquid iron (and slag) is tapped from the hearth at the very bottom of the furnace through a taphole, not via the bustle pipe.
Therefore, the correct function of the bustle pipe is to ensure uniform supply of the hot blast.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The bustle pipe is arranged to the blast furnace to supply the hot blast to the furnace with equal pressure through the tuyeres.