Rotating furnace tap‑hole re‑open
A rotating furnace tap‑hole is re‑opened using a 12 mm thermal wire‑pack oxygen lance. The operator stands behind a metal safety shield with full PPE. The lance is fed through the shield opening to clear skull/slag and restore flow.
Thermal Lance Operator Safety
The operator stands behind a metal safety shield at all times. They wear full PPE: respirator/mask, visor, gloves and safety footwear. They insert the Oxygen‑Lancing 12 mm thermal wire‑pack through a small opening in the shield to tap open the rotating furnace.
Product in use: 12 mm thermal wire‑pack oxygen lance
Wire bundle inside a steel tube burns in pure oxygen for extreme heat. Produces a concentrated jet for fast, controlled penetration. Ideal for maintaining a small, accurate tap passage.
Why thermal wire‑pack on rotating furnaces
Fast de‑blocking of skull/slag after heat‑soak or downtime. Tight bore control versus drilling or hammering methods. Stand‑off operation improves safety while the bath is live.
Operating notes: best practice
Match oxygen flow to the 12 mm lance for a stable burn. Keep a shallow approach angle to avoid over‑enlarging the bore. Advance in short, steady pushes to keep the passage neat
What happens step-by-step
- Prep & PPE: Operator behind a metal safety shield; respirator/visor, FR clothing, gloves, safety footwear.
- O₂ & lance check: Confirm regulator settings/flow for a 12 mm wire-pack; test holder and valve control.
- Ignition: Light the wire-pack; open oxygen to achieve a stable, bright jet.
- Approach: Feed the lance through the shield port; present at a shallow angle to the tap-hole face.
- Penetration: Short, steady pushes melt/burn skull/slag while maintaining a tight 12 mm bore.
- Breakthrough: First flow appears; reduce advance to avoid over-enlarging the refractory.
- Stabilise: Hold the passage clear; withdraw slightly to keep a clean, controlled stream.
- Shutdown & tidy: Close oxygen, retract lance, confirm safe area and dispose of spent lance correctly.
Thermal Wirepack FAQ
Match oxygen flow to the 12 mm lance for a stable burn. Keep a shallow approach angle to avoid over‑enlarging the bore. Advance in short, steady pushes to keep the passage neat.
Why choose a thermal wire‑pack for tap‑holes?
It delivers concentrated heat to burn through skull/slag fast, restoring flow with tight bore control and low vibration.
What is a thermal wire-pack oxygen lance?
A consumable steel tube packed with iron wires that burn in pure oxygen, generating extreme heat for cutting, piercing, and tap-hole opening on furnaces.
How does a wire-pack lance compare to mechanical drilling?
Faster de-blocking, less vibration to shell/lining, and better small-bore control; drilling can be slower and can shock the refractory.
Can the lance re-open a frozen tap-hole during heat-soak or downtime?
Yes—wire-pack lancing is a standard method to clear frozen tap-holes quickly and get the furnace tapping again.
Do you supply complete lancing kits?
Yes—wire-pack lances, lance holders, oxygen valves/regulators with nationwide delivery.
What other applications suit wire-pack lancing?
Runner cuts, ladle piercing, skull removal on launders/spouts, refractory demolition assistance, and emergency pierce-throughs.
Specifications we supply
- Diameters: 10 mm | 12,7 mm | 16 mm | 17 mm | 21 mm (others on request).
- Lengths: 1.5–3.0 m and 6m; custom options available.
- Accessories: holders, valves/regulators and Wire Braided Lance Hose’s.