Effect of External Vibrations on the Tightness of the Double Bell and Hopper System of a Blast Furnace.

The movement of ladle trains on tracks running around blast furnaces causes ground vibrations which are subsequently transmitted to the furnace structure. Consequently, these vibrations impart to the furnace a cyclic swaying movement which affects the tightness of the double bell and hopper system of the furnace. An analysis of these vibrations and structural solutions aimed at limiting the negative effect of the swaying movement on the tightness of the double bell and hopper system are the subjects of this article.