Claims:We Claim:
1. An apparatus (100) for aging a steel-making slag, the apparatus (100) comprising:
a pressure vessel (1) comprising an inlet (1a) for loading the steel-making slag, an outlet (1b) for unloading the steel-making slag after aging, and a steam inlet port (2); and
an arrangement (101) for distributing steam in the pressure vessel (1), the arrangement (101) comprising:
a conduit (3) connected to the steam inlet port (2) for receiving the steam from a steam supplying source (4), wherein the conduit (3) extends from the steam inlet port (2) towards the inlet (1a) of the pressure vessel (1); and
one or more sets of pipes (5) provided at predetermined locations of the conduit (3), wherein each pipe of the one or more sets of pipes (5) is configured with plurality of perforations (6), and is disposed in fluid communication with the conduit (3) for distributing the steam in the pressure vessel (1) for aging the steel-making slag.

2. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of perforations (6) are configured at a predetermined angle with respect to longitudinal axis (A-A) of corresponding pipe.

3. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the predetermined angle of the perforations (6) in each pipe of the one or more sets of the pipes (5) ranges from about 20 degrees to about 60 degrees.

4. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a longitudinal axis (A-A) of each pipe of the one or more sets of pipes (5) is inclined at an angle ranging from about 10 degrees to 70 degrees with respect to corresponding horizontal axes of the conduit (3).

5. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the corresponding horizontal axes includes a pair horizontal axes (C-C and C’-C’) of the conduit (3) bisecting each other.

6. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises plurality of ribs (7) extending outwardly from the conduit (3), wherein each of the plurality of ribs (7) is configured to support at least one pipe of the one or more sets of pipes (5).

7. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outlet (1b) is configured with a tapered member (10) to facilitate gradual discharging of the aged steel-making slag from the pressure vessel (1).

8. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a pressure gauge (8) for measuring pressure in the pressure vessel (1).

9. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a thermocouple (9) for measuring temperature in the pressure vessel (1).

10. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises at least one drain port (11) configured proximal to the outlet (1b) of the pressure vessel (1) for evacuating condensed steel-making slag.

11. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a pressure relief valve (13) provided proximal to the inlet of the pressure vessel (1) to maintain pressure in the pressure vessel (1) within the pre-set limit.

12. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises at least one lid (12) configured at each of the inlet (1a) and the outlet (1b) of the pressure vessel.

13. A method for aging a steel-making slag, the method comprising:
loading the steel-making slag into a pressure vessel (1) through an inlet (1a);
supplying steam from a steam supplying source (4) into a conduit (3) extending from a steam inlet port (2) towards the inlet (1a) of the pressure vessel (1), wherein the steam supplied to the conduit (3) passes through one or more sets of pipes (5) configured with plurality of perforations (6) to distribute the steam in the pressure vessel (1) for aging the steel-making slag.

14. The method as claimed in claim 13 comprises a step of preheating the pressure vessel (1) up to a predetermined temperature prior to supply of the steel-making slag into the pressure vessel (1).
, Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD
Present disclosure generally relates to a field of metallurgy. Particularly, but not exclusively the present disclosure relates processing of solid waste to obtain value added product. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose an apparatus for aging of steel-making slag.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
As known extraction of iron from iron ore includes smelting of iron ore along with a catalyst containing mixture of limestone and coke, in a blast furnace to produce pig iron. The sediments of smelting process in the blast furnace are collected as slag. The pig iron on further treatment in the blast furnace at suitable conditions, produces tough and highly workable steel. The sediments formed during conversion of pig iron to steel is known as steel-making slag.

The steel-making slag may contain some traces of steel, though it is a residue during formation of steel. The traces of steel in the steel-making slag makes it desirable for wide varieties of applications including, but not limited to, road construction. The steel-making slag may be used as an alternative source to the natural ingredients [jelly or concrete] used for road construction. Apart from presence of steel in the steel-making slag, physical properties of the steel-making slag play an important role for utilization in road constructions.

Generally, the steel-making slag is characterized by sharp edges, and rough surface texture, which contribute to better adhesiveness of aggregate binder and grain. This property also increases the coefficient of internal friction of bituminous coal overlay more than any other natural ingredients when used in road construction. In addition, proper granulometric composition of the steel-making slag increases shear tightness of mixtures and resistance to appearance of rut or groves or channels in roads. The various properties of the steel-making slag, as mentioned above, converge to the aspect of increased wear resistance, adhesiveness, high specific weight and density of asphalt mixtures in comparison to the natural ingredients. Hence, the steel-making slag is widely used in road construction applications. However, expansion characteristic of the steel-making slag is a major drawback, due to presence of alkaline earth oxide [lime] in the slag. The alkaline earth oxides have a hydraulic property i.e. affinity towards moisture or water. Thus, when the free alkaline earth oxides in the steel-making slag are exposed to atmospheric conditions, the alkaline earth oxides react with the carbon dioxide in the air, creating limestone. The limestone settles down in the form of white powder and may cause obstructions in the drainage systems and may also pose a problem of water retention. The deposition of limestone in case of freezing may damage to pavement structures or asphalt. Also, the expansion of steel-making slag due to absorption of water after use in road construction, may result in damage to the roads which is undesirable. Hence, the steel-making slag needs to be aged before using in the applications including road constructions.

Conventionally, natural weathering method is widely employed for aging the steel-making slag. In natural weathering method, the steel-making slag may be exposed to atmospheric conditions for aging, wherein moisture in the atmosphere is gradually absorbed, and the steel-making slag is expanded. However, this method requires large space for natural weathering and the process is time consuming since it largely depends on environmental conditions. Sometimes the process may take around 12-24 months. To reduce the time taken during natural weathering, some conventional arts teaches that impinging water onto the steel-making slag, accelerates the aging process. This additional step may considerably reduce the time taken for aging. For example, the time taken may be reduced to 6 months from 12 to 24 months. However, this method also poses similar challenges of the natural weathering, and also increases the tendency of the steel-making slag to form leachate with the alkaline mixture in the steel-making slag.

To overcome some of the problems in natural weathering process, open steam curing process is developed and used in the art. In open steam curing process, the steel-making slag is stored in a confined area and exposed to the atmosphere. Pressurised steam is injected to the steel-making slag from the bottom surface of the confined area, while maintaining a particular temperature for accelerating the aging process. This method significantly reduces the time taken for aging the steel-making slag when compared to natural weathering for example, the time may be reduced to 1 week. However, as steel-making slag is exposed to pressurised steam from the bottom surface of the confined area, non-uniform aging persists, as only enthalpy of the steam is utilised for aging process and not temperature of the confined area. Also, in this method, there is no system for recovery of flash steam generated during the process which reduces the effective steam penetration into the steel-making slag which is present in upper surface.

With the advancements in technologies, open steam curing process and pressurized steam curing process are developed to reduce the time taken for aging. In the pressurised steam curing process, the steel-making slag is introduced into a pressure vessel, where the temperature and pressure are maintained at optimum conditions for accelerating the aging process of the steel. This method again significantly reduces the time taken for aging the steel-making slag for example to 5 hrs from one week. However, this method includes very high capital costs, thus application of this process in industrial scale needs capital investment.

The present disclosure is directed to address one or more problems as discussed above.

The information disclosed in this background of the disclosure section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
One or more drawbacks of conventional systems and process for aging steel-making slag are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the apparatus and a method as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the technicalities of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered to be a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus for aging a steel-making slag is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a pressure vessel having an inlet for loading the steel-making slag, an outlet for unloading the steel-making slag after aging, and a steam inlet port. An arrangement is provided in the apparatus for distributing steam in the pressure vessel. The arrangement comprises a conduit connected to the steam inlet port for receiving the steam from a steam supplying source, wherein the conduit extends from the steam inlet port towards the inlet of the pressure vessel. One or more sets of pipes is provided at predetermined locations of the conduit. Each pipe of the one or more sets of pipes is configured with plurality of perforations, and is disposed in fluid communication with the conduit for distributing the steam in the pressure vessel for aging the steel-making slag.

In some embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of perforations are configured at a predetermined angle with respect to longitudinal axis of corresponding pipe. The predetermined angle of the perforations in each pipe of the one or more sets of the pipes ranges from about 20 degrees to about 60 degrees.

In some embodiment of the present disclosure, the longitudinal axis of each pipe of the one or more sets of pipes is inclined at an angle ranging from about 10 degrees to 70 degrees with respect to corresponding horizontal axes of the conduit. Further, the corresponding horizontal axes includes a pair horizontal axes of the conduit bisecting each other.

In some embodiment of the present disclosure, plurality of ribs extends outwardly from the conduit, wherein each of the plurality of ribs is configured to support at least one pipe of the one or more sets of pipes.

In some embodiment of the present disclosure, the outlet is configured with a tapered member to facilitate gradual discharging of the aged steel-making slag from the pressure vessel.

In some embodiment of the present disclosure, a pressure gauge is provided in the apparatus for measuring pressure in the pressure vessel.

In some embodiment of the present disclosure, a thermocouple is provided for measuring temperature in the pressure vessel.

In some embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one drain port is configured proximal to the outlet of the pressure vessel for evacuating condensed steel-making slag.

In some embodiment of the present disclosure, a pressure relief valve is provided proximal to the inlet of the pressure vessel to maintain pressure in the pressure vessel within the pre-set limit.

In some embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one lid is configured at each of the inlet and the outlet of the pressure vessel.

In another non-limiting embodiment, a method for aging a steel-making slag is disclosed. The method comprising loading the steel-making slag into a pressure vessel through an inlet. Supplying steam from a steam supplying source into a conduit extending from a steam inlet port towards the inlet of the pressure vessel. The steam supplied to the conduit passes through one or more sets of pipes configured with plurality of perforations to distribute the steam in the pressure vessel for aging the steel-making slag.

In some embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressure vessel is preheated up to a predetermined temperature prior to supplying of the steel-making slag into the pressure vessel.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure 1 illustrates schematic representation of an apparatus for aging steel-making slag, in accordance with some embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 illustrates schematic representation of an arrangement for distributing steam in the apparatus of Figure 1, in accordance with some embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 3 illustrates side view of the pipe used in the arrangement of Figure 2, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 4 illustrates top view of a conduit connected with one or more sets of pipes of the arrangement shown in Figure 2, in accordance with some embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 5 illustrates schematic view of an outlet portion of apparatus of Figure 1, in accordance with some embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 6a illustrates graphical representation of variation of volume expansion and alkaline earth oxide with respect to pressure of the steam in the apparatus during aging, in accordance with some embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 6b illustrates graphical representation of pre-treating time of the apparatus, in accordance with some embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 6c illustrates graphical representation of variation in chemical composition of aged steel-making slag, in accordance with some embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the description of the disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent methods do not depart from the scope of the disclosure. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, as to method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method that comprises a list of acts does not include only those acts but may include other acts not expressly listed or inherent to such method. In other words, one or more acts in a method proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other acts or additional acts in the method.

The present disclosure provides an apparatus and a method for aging steel-making slag. The apparatus comprises a pressure vessel having an inlet for loading the steel-making slag and an outlet for unloading the aged steel-making slag. A steam inlet port is provided in the pressure vessel and is connectable to a steam supplying source for supplying steam. An arrangement is provided in the pressure vessel for distributing steam in the pressure vessel. The arrangement distributes the steam in radial and vertical directions in the pressure vessel. The distribution of steam under a pressure in radial and vertical directions enhances penetration of steam into the steel-making slag, and thereby reduces the total time required for aging the steel making slag.

The arrangement for distributing the steam in the pressure vessel includes a conduit connected to the steam inlet port. The conduit extends from the steam inlet port towards the inlet of the pressure vessel, and is configured to receive the steam supplied by the steam supplying steam. The arrangement also comprises, one or more sets of pipes provided at predetermined locations on the conduit and are disposed in fluid communication with the conduit. The one or more sets of pipes are provided on the conduit such that longitudinal axis of each of the one or more sets of pipes are inclined at an angle with respect to the horizontal axis of the conduit. In an embodiment, each of the one or more sets of pipes are inclined at an angle ranging from about 10 degrees to about 70 degrees with respect to the horizontal axis of the conduit. In some embodiment, angle of inclination of each of the one or more sets of pipes with respect to the horizontal axis of the conduit, may be adjusted as per requirement and feasibility. Each of the one or more sets of pipe is configured with plurality of perforations, such that the steam routed through the conduit is distributed in radial and vertical direction of the pressure vessel for aging the steel-making slag. Each of the plurality of perforations are configured at a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the corresponding pipe. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of perforations are spaced apart by an angle ranging from 20 degrees to about 60 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the corresponding pipe. In some embodiment, the angle of each of the plurality of perforations with respect to the longitudinal axis of the corresponding pipe may be changed based on feasibility and requirement.

Further, the arrangement comprises a plurality of ribs extending outwardly from the conduit is configured, to support each of the one or more sets of pipes in the pressure vessel. A pressure gauge and a thermocouple are configured to the pressure vessel, for monitoring pressure and temperature in the pressure vessel during gaining process. Also, a pressure relief valve is provisioned in the pressure vessel, to relieve the pressurized steam collected in the pressure vessel, after completion of aging of the steel-making slag. The apparatus also comprises at least one lid attached to inlet and outlet of the pressure for selectively allowing loading and unloading of the steel-making slag into and from the steel making slag. At the outlet of the pressure vessel, a tapered member is provisioned, so that the aged steel-making slag is unloaded gradually from the pressure vessel. At least one drain port is configured proximal to the outlet of the pressure vessel, for evacuating condensed steel-making slag produced during the aging process.

For aging the steel-making slag, the steel-making slag is loaded into the pressure vessel through the inlet. The steam at a predetermined pressure is supplied from the steam supplying source to the pressure vessel through the steam inlet port. In some embodiment, the predetermined pressure is 2 kg/cm2 to about 10kg/cm2. The steam from the steam inlet port is routed into the pressure vessel through the conduit. The steam gets branched or routed from the conduit and passes through each of the one or more pipes provided to the conduit. The steam gets distributed in the pressure vessel via the plurality of perforations provided on each of the one or more sets of pipes, thereby aging the steel-making slag in the pressure vessel.

The apparatus is configured to uniformly distribute steam, thereby uniformly aging the steel-making slag. Simultaneously, the apparatus reduces the time taken for aging the steel-making slag.
In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration of specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. In the foregoing description, the words such as upper, lower, centre, radial, vertical and horizontal are used with respect to particular orientations of the apparatus as illustrated in the figures. However, the same should not be considered as limitation to the present disclosure, as the indication of words may change with respect to change in the orientation of the apparatus.

Figure 1 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which illustrates schematic representation of the apparatus (100) for aging steel-making slag. The apparatus (100) comprises a pressure vessel (1) for aging the steel-making slag, and an arrangement (101) for distributing steam in the pressure vessel (100) to facilitate aging of the steel-making slag.

The pressure vessel (1) is a container configured with an inlet (1a) in an upper portion for loading the steel-making slag and an outlet (1b) in a lower portion for unloading the aged steel-making slag. In an exemplary embodiment, the pressure vessel (1) is a cylindrical structure having a circular cross section. In another embodiment, the pressure vessel (1) may be configured in any other cross-section such as, but not limiting to, square, rectangular, hexagon, octagon or any other geometric shape as per requirement and feasibility. The pressure vessel (1) also comprises a provision at a substantially lower portion. The provision is configured as a steam inlet port (2) is connectable to a steam supplying source (4). In an embodiment, the steam supplying source is at least one of steam generators or steam accumulators configured to supply steam to the pressure vessel (1). The steam supplying source (4) is configured to store or generate steam and supply the steam to the pressure vessel (1) at variable pressure, for example 2 bars to 10 bars. In some embodiment, the pressure of the steam supplied by the steam supplying source (4) may be varied as per requirement. In an embodiment of the disclosure, a flow control valve [not shown] is provided between the steam supplying source (4) and the steam inlet port (2) for controlling a pressure of the steam.

The apparatus (100) also comprises the arrangement (101) [shown in figure 2] in the pressure vessel (1), for distribution of steam supplied by the steam supplying source (4). The arrangement (101) includes a conduit (3), connected to the steam inlet port (2) and extending towards the inlet (1a) of the pressure vessel (1). The conduit (2) is configured to route the steam received from the steam supplying source (4) to the pressure vessel (1). In an exemplary embodiment, the conduit (3) extends up to the inlet (1a) of the pressure vessel (1) i.e. the conduit (3) extends along the length of the pressure vessel (1) so that the steam is distributed to entire length of the pressure vessel (1). In another embodiment, the conduit (3) extends up to a predetermined length of the pressure vessel (1) based on the level of steel-making slag loaded into the pressure vessel (1). In an embodiment, the conduit (3) is configured with a predefined cross-section and dimension, so that the steam is supplied into the pressure vessel (1) without any loss in pressure of steam. In an exemplary embodiment, the conduit (3) is configured with a circular cross-section. In another embodiment, the conduit (3) is configured with a geometric cross-section such as, but not limiting to square, rectangle and the like as per feasibility and requirement.

In an exemplary embodiment, the conduit (3) extends from a substantially lower portion of the pressure vessel (1) towards inlet (1a) of the pressure vessel (1), to supply steam from the bottom portion to top portion of the pressure vessel (1). Thus, from the bottom portion of the pressure vessel (1), the steam is distributed along the entire length of the pressure vessel (1).

In an alternative embodiment, the steam inlet port (2) may be provisioned at substantially upper portion of the pressure vessel (1), to receive steam at top portion of the pressure vessel (1). In such a configuration, the conduit (3) extends towards the outlet (1b) pressure vessel (1) from the upper portion, to supply steam from the upper portion to lower portion of the pressure vessel (1).

In another alternate embodiment, the steam inlet port (2) may be configured at a substantially central portion of the pressure vessel (1), and the conduit (3) is branched upwardly and downwardly from the central portion of the pressure vessel (1).

Referring to Figures 2 to 4 which are exemplary embodiments of the disclosure illustrating the arrangement (101) configured in the pressure vessel (1) for distributing the steam. As shown in Figure. 2 the arrangement (101) comprises the conduit (3) connected to the steam inlet port (2) either directly or through suitable connectors such as Elbow joints. The arrangement (101) also includes one or more sets of pipes (5) configured along the height of the conduit (3) at a predetermined distance. The one or more sets of pipes (5) are disposed to be in fluid communication with the conduit (3). The one or more sets of pipes (5) are connected to the conduit such that, longitudinal axis (A-A) of each of the one or more sets of pipes (5) is positioned at a predetermined angle with respect to corresponding horizontal axes (C-C and C’-C’) of the conduit (3) [shown in figure 4]. In an embodiment, the corresponding horizontal axes (C-C and C’-C’) of the conduit (3) is considered to be a pair of horizontal axes in the radius of the conduit (3) bisecting each other [as shown in figure 4]. In an embodiment, the predetermined angle of the longitudinal axis (A-A) of each of the one or more sets of pipes (5) ranges from about 10 degrees to about 70 degrees. The predetermined angle of inclination is selected by considering the aspects such as, each of the one or more sets of pipes (5) will route steam supplied to the conduit (3) throughout the circumference of the pressure vessel (3), the steel-making slag is loaded into the pressure vessel (1) without intrusion of the pipes, and a minimum angular distance is maintained between each of the one or more sets of pipes (5), thereby ensuring maximum penetration of steam into the steel-making slag.

In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more sets of pipes (5) includes three sets of pipes, with first set located proximal to inlet (1a), second set located at central portion and the third set located proximal to the outlet (1b) of the pressure vessel (1). In one embodiment, the one or more sets of pipes (5) may include three sets, four sets, five sets and the like based on feasibility and requirement. In one exemplary embodiment, each set of one or more sets of pipes (5) includes four pipes [as shown in figure 4]. In another embodiment, each of the one or more sets of pipes (5) includes two pipes, three pipes, four pipes and the like based on feasibility and requirement.

Further, each pipe in the one or more sets of pipes (5) is configured with a predefined cross-section and dimension. The cross-section and the dimension are selected such that, there will be no loss in the pressure of the steam, during routing of steam from the conduit (3). In an embodiment, the dimensions of each pipe in the one or more sets of pipes (5) is selected based in the dimensions of the conduit (3), so that there is no drop in pressure of steam during routing. In an exemplary embodiment, each pipe in the one or more sets of pipes (5) is configured with a circular cross-section of predetermined diameter. In another embodiment, each pipe in the one or more sets of pipes (5) is configured with a geometric cross-section such as but not limiting to square, rectangle, hexagon and the like as per requirement and feasibility.

Referring now to Figure 3, each of the one or more sets of pipes (5) are configured with plurality of perforation (6). The plurality of perforations (6) are provided for distribution of steam in the pressure vessel (1). The plurality of perforations (6) are provided along the length of each of the one or more sets of pipes (5), to distribute steam throughout the circumference of the pressure vessel (1). Each of the plurality of perforations (6) are configured at a predetermined angle with respect to longitudinal axis (A-A) of the corresponding pipe (5). The predetermined angle of each of the plurality of perforations (6) is selected such that, maximum penetration of steam is ensured during distribution of steam. In an embodiment, the predetermined angle ranges from about 20 degrees to about 60 degrees. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of perforations (6) is provided at 45 degrees with respect to longitudinal axis (A-A) of the pipe (5).

Further, as shown in Figure. 3 the plurality of perforations (6) is provided at lower portion of each of the one or more sets of pipes (5), so that the steam may be distributed to the loaded steel-making slag in radial and vertical directions in the pressure vessel (1). This configuration of the plurality of perforations (6) may prevent clogging of the perforations, if provided above the horizontal axis (B-B). In an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of perforations (6) are configured in rows on each pipe (5). In an alternate embodiment, the plurality of perforations (6) are configured around the circumference of the pipes (5). The plurality of perforations (6) provisioned to each of the one or more sets of pipes (5) are configured with a predetermined dimension, such that the steam routed through each of the one or more sets of pipes (5) are sprayed on to the loaded steel-making slag. In an embodiment, the dimension of the plurality of perforations (6) is selected such that the steam is sprayed without loss of pressure, thereby maintaining maximum penetration of steam through the loaded steel-making slag.

Referring back to figure 2, the arrangement (101) comprises a plurality of ribs (7) extending outwardly from the conduit (3). Each of the plurality of ribs (7) is connected to at least one pipe (5) of the one or more sets of pipes (5) and provides structural support to the pipes (5) in the pressure vessel (1). In an embodiment, each rib of the plurality of ribs (7) is a structural member, configured with at least one arm (7a), which are connected to each pipe in the one or more sets of pipes (5). The plurality of ribs (7) supports the one or more sets of pipes (5) during loading of the steel-making slag and also during supply of steam. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of ribs (7) is configured with four arms to support each of the four pipes in a set of one or more sets of pipes (5).

Now referring back to figure 1, the pressure vessel (1) comprises at least one lid (12a and 12b) is provided at each of the inlet (1a) and outlet (1b) of the pressure vessel (1). The at least one lid (12a and 12b) acts as a seal at the inlet (1a) and outlet (1b) of the pressure vessel (1), during aging process of steel-making slag. In an embodiment, the at least one lid (12a and 12b) is selected from at least one of hinge type, door type and the like. The lid (12a) provided at the inlet (1a) of the pressure vessel may be operated to open condition for loading the steel-making slag into the pressure vessel (1), and may be closed during aging process. Also, the lid (12b) provided at the outlet (1b) of the pressure vessel (1) may be operated to open condition for un-loading the steel-making slag from the pressure vessel (1) after aging, and may be closed during aging process. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one lid (12a and 12b) are mechanical closures, and are configured with at least one force applying means such as pneumatic actuator, mechanical actuator, and hydraulic force actuator. Further, the apparatus comprises a pressure gauge (8) provided in the pressure vessel (1) for measuring the pressure maintained in the pressure vessel (1). In an embodiment, the pressure gauge (8) is selected from at least one of mechanical, electrical and electro-mechanical pressure gauges.

In some embodiment of the disclosure, the apparatus (100) comprises heat source [not shown] coupled to the pressure vessel (1). The heat source is configured to supply heat to the pressure vessel (1) during aging process. The apparatus (100) also comprises a thermocouple (9) is provisioned in the pressure vessel (1) for measuring the temperature maintained in the pressure vessel (1). As shown in the Figure. 1 the apparatus (100) also comprises a pressure relief valve (13) provided in the pressure vessel (1), to relieve steam from the pressure vessel (1) upon completion of aging of steel-making slag. Further, at least one drain port (11) is provided proximal to the outlet (1b), to drain out or remove condensed steel-making slag from the pressure vessel (1). In an embodiment, the apparatus (100) includes a first drain port (11a) provided proximal to the steam inlet port (2) and a second drain port (11b) provided at the outlet (1b). The first drain port (11a) is configured to be operable either manually or automatically to remove condensed steel-making slag from the pressure vessel (1). In an embodiment, the first drain port (11a) is provided with a flap [not shown] linked to the opening of the first drain port (11a) and configured to selectively allow or block condensed steel-making slag from the pressure vessel (1). Thus, operating the first drain port (11a) operates the flap, thereby removing condensed steel-making slag from the pressure vessel (1). The first drain port (11a) ensures that any condensed steel-making slag in the region of the steam inlet port (2) can be removed from the pressure vessel (1). The second drain port (11b) is configured to be operable either manually or automatically to remove condensed steel-making slag from the pressure vessel (1). In an embodiment, the second drain port (11a) is provided with an inclined flap (11c) linked to the opening of the second drain port (11b) and configured to selectively allow or block condensed steel-making slag from the pressure vessel (1). Thus, operating the second drain port (11b) operates the inclined flap (11c), thereby removing condensed steel-making slag from the pressure vessel (1). The second drain port (11b) ensures that any condensed steel-making slag settled at the outlet (1b) can be removed. The first and second drain ports (11a and 11b) are provided to remove condensed steel-making slag, thereby preventing obstruction to flow of aged steel-making slag from the pressure vessel (1). Also, sealants are provided between the pressure vessel (1) and the drain port (11) to prevent leakage of condensed moisture/water from the pressure vessel (1), during aging process.

Further, the outlet (1b) of the pressure vessel (1), is configured with a tapered configuration, such that the dimension or circumference of the pressure vessel (1) reduces at the outlet (1b) of the pressure vessel (1). The tapered configuration of the outlet (1b) acts as a funnel so that, the aged steel-making slag is discharged gradually from the pressure vessel (1). In an embodiment, the angle of taper of the outlet (1b) ranges from about 10 degrees to about 80 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the pressure vessel (1), based on feasibility and requirement. Also, a tapered member (10) is provisioned [as shown in figure 5] at the outlet (1b) to gradually unload the aged steel-making slag from the pressure vessel (1). The tapered member (10) is supported by at least one bracket (14) at its ends. In an embodiment, the at least one bracket (14) is a hinge member enabling the inclination of the taper member (10) to be adjusted based on requirement and feasibility. In an embodiment, the tapered member (10) is configured to form a cone arrangement proximal to the opening of the outlet (1b). The tapered member (10), due to its inclination enables the aged steel-making slag to gradually unload from the pressure vessel (1).

The following paragraph, describes the process for aging steel-making slag using the apparatus (100) as described in foregoing paragraphs.

Before initiation of aging process, the pressure vessel (1) of the apparatus (100) is heated to a predetermined temperature. After pre-heating the pressure vessel (1), the steel-making slag is loaded through the inlet (1a) of the pressure vessel (1). Due to the gravity, the steel-making slag drops down up to the outlet (1b). After loading, the lids (12a and 12b) are closed. Steam at a predefined pressure is supplied from the steam supplying source (4) through the conduit (4) into the pressure vessel (1), wherein the supplied steam is routed to the one or more sets of pipes (5). In an embodiment, the pressure of the steam ranges from about 2 kg/cm2 to about 10 kg/cm2. In another embodiment, the pressure of the steam is selected such that, the volume expansion of the steel-making slag after aging is not to exceed 2%. The pressure of the steam supplied into the pressure vessel (1) is monitored by the pressure gauge (8) and thus, on reaching the predetermined pressure supply of steam into the pressure vessel (1) may be regulated. The routed steam in the one or more sets of pipes (5) is sprayed in radial and vertical direction in the pressure vessel (1), thus the steel-making slag is exposed to steam uniformly. This process, therefore achieves uniform stabilization of the steel-making slag. After steel-making slag is aged, the pressure relief valve (13) is operated to relieve the pressurized steam in the pressure vessel (1), and the aged steel is optionally allowed to cool in the pressure vessel (1). The aged steel-making slag, is unloaded by opening the lid (12) at the outlet (1b). The tapered member (10) provisioned proximal to the outlet (1b) enables gradual unloading or discharge of the aged steel-making slag. During the process, the at least one drain port (11) may be operated to remove steel-making slag particles mixed with moisture to form a condensed mixture.

Exemplary Experimental results:

Referring to figure 6a, the steel-making slag is aged at different pressure conditions in the apparatus (100) to check variation in the alkaline earth oxide content and also the volume expansion of the aged steel-making slag. As illustrated in the figure 6a, the volume expansion and the alkaline earth oxide contents reduces with increase in the pressure of the steam during aging process. For example, at a pressure of 2 kg/cm2, the volume expansion is 5.15% and the alkaline earth oxide content is 7.8%. On increasing the pressure of the steam to 10 kg/cm2, the volume expansion dropped to 1.33% and the alkaline earth oxide content dropped to 1.6%, due to increased penetration of steam into the steel-making slag. Thus, from the above example it is evident that penetration of steam into the steel-making slag is proportional to the rate of aging of the steel-making slag. Therefore, higher the rate of penetration of steam, greater is the rate of aging of aging of steel-making slag.

Figure 6b illustrates the pre-heating time up to 30 mins to reach the desired temperature in the pressure vessel (1). As illustrated in the figure, initially the pressure vessel (1) is pre-heated to a particular temperature for safe operation. Thereafter, the steam at a predetermined pressure is supplied in the pressure vessel (1), to maintain the temperature and pressure conditions throughout the aging process. After the pre-heating of the pressure vessel (1), the enthalpy of the steam is utilised to maintain the temperature in the pressure vessel (1). Utilisation of enthalpy of steam, further accelerates the rate of aging of the steel-making slag, due to increase of temperature conditions. At higher temperatures, penetration of steam will further increase, as pores in the steel-making slag are opened due to the heat. Inherently, the time required for aging steel-making slag is subsequently reduced due to acceleration of rate of aging of the steel-making slag. The effect of temperature on aging of steel-making slag at higher temperature is described in the subsequent paragraph.

Referring to figure 6c, the reduction in chemical composition of aged steel-making slag is illustrated, at operating temperature of 3200C and 10 kg/cm2. Penetration of steam into the steel-making slag, reduces the free alkaline oxides in the steel-making slag, thereby reducing the quantity/amount of free alkaline oxide in the aged steel-making slag. As shown in the figure 6c, it is evident that there is a substantial reduction in the alkaline earth oxides content in the aged steel-making slag [79.1%], when aging process is carried out at optimum conditions. Thus, the hydraulic property of the steel-making slag is substantially reduced, due to reduction in alkaline earth oxide content in the steel-making slag. Therefore, in optimum conditions, the aged steel-making slag shows less than 2% increase in volume expansion, thereby enable usage of steel-making slag as per requirement.

Advantages:
The present disclosure provides an apparatus, which increases the rate of steam distribution in the pressure vessel, thereby improving the stabilisation of the steel-making slag.

The present disclosure provides an apparatus, which increases the rate of stabilization of the steel-making slag, thereby reducing the time taken for aging of steel-making slag.

The present disclosure provides an apparatus, which reduces the alkaline earth oxide contents in the steel-making slag, thereby ensuring volume expansion of the aged steel-making slag to be less than 2% after aging.

Equivalents
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
REFERRAL NUMERALS:

Referral numerals
Description
100 Apparatus for aging steel-making slag
101 Arrangement in pressure vessel
1 Pressure vessel
1a Inlet of the pressure vessel
1b Outlet of the pressure vessel
2 Steel inlet port
3 Conduit
4 Steam supplying unit
5 One or more sets of pipes
6 Perforations in each of one or more pipes
7 Rib
8 Pressure gauge
9 Thermocouple
10 Tapered member
11 Drain port
11a First drain port
11b Second drain port
12a and 12b Lids
13 Pressure relief valve
14 Brackets