Gas analysis in the ironmaking process

Knowledge of the composition of process gases in ironworks has always been required to ensure efficient operation. This paper describes the development of an on-line quadrupole mass spectrometer for the analysis of blast furnace off-gas from initial development trials using a prototype instrument up to the present day when production instruments are in operation on all blast furnaces in the British Steel Corporation, Scunthorpe. The availability of a continuous, accurate off-gas analysis has proved of great benefit in terms of operation and control of the ironmaking process and examples are given of the approach taken.