Abstract
This federal Bureau of Mines investigation was conducted to evaluate ironmaking variables in a cupola using prepared automobile scrap. This is in keeping with the Bureau goal of improving metal recovery from secondary domestic resources. The effects of 8 variables were determined for 27 responses using a fractional factorial design. The study showed which variables and levels were important for providing improved performance of the cupola and for improved chemistry of the iron. For example, the melting rate may be increased by using smaller coke and a higher airflow rate. Higher tapping temperature may be achieved by using smaller coke and continuous tapping. Carbon pickup may be enhanced by using high air rates, less charge silicon, and smaller coke. Higher limestone in the charge and high air preheat provide lower sulfur content in the metal. Lower addition of silicon, high limestone, and higher air preheat were only marginally effective in decreasing the phosphorus content of the metal. Efforts to verify selected responses of interest were successful.
