Application of Double Suction Split Case Pumps in the Steelmaking Industry

Double Suction Split Case Pumps are one of the indispensable key equipment in the steelmaking industry. Their unique structural design is perfectly suited for the large-scale, continuous production needs of steel plants.

I. Main Applications in Steelmaking

Steelmaking is a process with high energy and water consumption, requiring vast amounts of water for cooling, conveyance, and purification. Double suction split case pumps play a core role in the following areas due to their high flow rate, smooth operation, and ease of maintenance:

1. Cooling System Circulation
This is the most primary and common application for these pumps.

Blast Furnace Cooling: Provides continuous, stable cooling water for critical parts of the blast furnace like the furnace wall, hearth, and tuyeres to prevent equipment damage from extreme heat.

Converter/Electric Arc Furnace Cooling: Used for cooling the hood (OG system), oxygen lance, and furnace roof of converters.

Continuous Caster Cooling:

Secondary Cooling Zone: Sprays atomized water onto the surface of the strand to control its solidification speed and temperature. This is a critical part of the continuous casting process requiring a stable, high-flow water supply.

Equipment Cooling: Cools the mold, rollers, bearings, and other equipment.

Steel Rolling Equipment Cooling: Cools rolls, bearings, hydraulic systems, etc., ensuring rolling mill equipment operates correctly in high-temperature environments.

2. Water Treatment Systems
Steel plants are major water users and typically have large circulating water treatment systems.

Cooling Water/Return Water Pumps: Pump the used, heated cooling water (return water) to cooling towers for temperature reduction.

Chilled Water/Supply Pumps: Pump the cooled water from the cooling towers back to the various plant workshops for reuse in equipment.
Split case pumps are the preferred pump type for these large circulating water pump stations.

3. Dust Removal Systems
The steelmaking process generates significant smoke and dust. Wet dust removal systems (e.g., venturi scrubbers, spray towers) require pumps to supply high-pressure water for spraying.

Dust Removal Water Pumps: Double suction pumps can supply the large flow of scrubbing water needed for major dust removal systems, effectively capturing and removing dust from flue gas.

4. Water Supply & Transfer

Raw Water Transfer: Transfers raw water from the source (e.g., river, reservoir) to the plant's water treatment facility.

Plant Circulating Water Distribution: Distributes and transfers circulating water through the plant's extensive pipeline network.

II.Key Selection Considerations

When selecting double suction split case pumps for the steelmaking industry, special attention must be paid to the following:

Material Selection:

Clean Water Cooling: Typically uses cast iron or cast steel.

Turbulent Circulating Water (containing minor impurities, sediment): Requires wear-resistant materials, such as bronze, stainless steel, or more durable high-chrome iron for the impeller and wear rings to prevent abrasion.

Sealing Type:

Packing Seal: Traditional, allows minor leakage, requires periodic maintenance.

Mechanical Seal: More commonly used, offers minimal leakage, and higher reliability. Choices include single, double, or cartridge mechanical seals based on pressure and water quality.

Operating Condition Matching:

It is essential to accurately calculate required parameters like flow rate, head, and NPSH (NPSHr) to ensure the pump operates within its best efficiency point (BEP), avoiding cavitation, overload, and other issues.

Redundancy:

For critical process points (e.g., blast furnace cooling), 100% pump redundancy (a standby pump) must be installed, with automatic switchover capability to ensure absolute reliability.