The main function of the RH snorkel gunning machine is to perform simultaneous gunning maintenance on both the inner and outer walls of the RH snorkel with gunning mix.
This enhances the adhesion rate of the gunning mix, ensures gunning quality, prevents nitrogen pickup issues or snorkel breakout accidents caused by substandard gunning quality, and significantly shortens the RH gunning time while improving production efficiency.
Specifically, during operation, after the completion of RH treatment, the vacuum is broken and the ladle is lowered to a position 20–50 cm directly below the snorkel where it remains for a specified period.
Once the conditions are met, the ladle is lowered and moved out, and the gunning trolley is driven to the working position. The machine uses its internal and external lances to conduct simultaneous gunning maintenance on the inner and outer walls of the RH snorkel.
The gunning machine can either operate in automatic mode for full-coverage uniform gunning or switch to manual mode for targeted gunning on severely eroded areas.
In addition, parameters such as lance rotation speed, lance water distribution ratio, mixing water pressure, compressed air pressure, and feeding rate must be controlled within a defined range to ensure optimal gunning results. After gunning, the service life of the RH snorkel can reach 180–200 heats, and the consumption of gunning mix is kept below 0.9 kg per ton of steel.
