A slag granulation plant is a facility designed to process molten slag—a byproduct of steelmaking or metallurgical processes—into granulated slag, which has various industrial applications, particularly in cement production. Here’s a detailed overview:
1. What is Slag?
– Slag is a stony waste material separated from metals during smelting or refining (e.g., blast furnace slag, steel slag).
– It consists of silicates, oxides, and other compounds.
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2. Purpose of Slag Granulation
– Rapidly cools and solidifies molten slag using water or air.
– Converts slag into small, granular particles (0.1–5 mm), improving its reactivity and usability.
3. Key Processes in a Slag Granulation Plant
# a) Molten Slag Handling
– Slag is tapped from furnaces at ~1,500°C and transported to the granulation unit.
# b) Granulation Methods
1. Water Granulation (Wet Process):
– High-pressure water jets quench and fragment molten slag.
– Produces glassy, amorphous granules (ideal for cementitious uses).
– Generates steam and requires water recycling systems.
2. Dry Granulation (Air-Based):
– Uses air or mechanical spinning to solidify slag without water.
– More energy-efficient but less common.
3. Hybrid Methods:
– Combine water and air cooling for optimized results.
# c) Drying & Processing
– Wet granules are dried to reduce moisture (<1%).
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ve crushing/screening to achieve desired particle size.
4. Equipment in a Slag Granulation Plant
– Slag ladles/pots: Transport molten slag.
– Granulation chamber: Where water/air contacts the slag.
– Dehydration system: Vibrating screens or rotary drums.
– Heat recovery units: Capture waste heat (optional).
– Storage silos: For dried granulated slag.
5. Applications of Granulated Slag
– Cement additive: Replaces clinker in Portland cement (up to 70% in GGBS—Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag).
– Concrete production: Enhances durability and reduces CO₂ emissions.
– Road construction: Base material or aggregate.
– Soil stabilization: Improves soil properties.
6. Advantages of Slag Granulation
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