In modern blast furnace smelting processes, coke plays a crucial role. It not only provides the necessary heat for the smelting process but also acts as a key reducing agent for iron ore. Additionally, its solid physical form is essential in maintaining the permeability of the blast furnace, particularly in the softening zone and below. To further optimize this traditional process, pulverized coal injection (PCI) technology was introduced. By injecting finely ground anthracite, bituminous coal, or a mixture of both directly into the blast furnace through the tuyere, this technology effectively replaces some of the functions of coke. This results in a reduced coke ratio and significantly lowers the cost of pig iron production. This technological innovation marks a significant leap in the modern blast furnace smelting field.

The PCI process is a complex operation that involves drying, grinding raw coal, and using compressed air to precisely inject the pulverized coal into the blast furnace through coal injection lances. This process covers several critical steps, including raw coal storage and transport, pulverization, collection and transport of pulverized coal, injection operation, gas supply, precise metering of coal powder, and advanced computer control systems.

A well-known steel company in China operates two 4350 cubic meter blast furnaces and one 1800 cubic meter furnace, equipped with three advanced pulverized coal injection systems. The No. 5 blast furnace, which began operation in October 2006, has played a prominent role in China's ironmaking history due to its world-leading process technology and imported equipment, particularly its super-large scale, with a volume exceeding 4000 cubic meters. During its service, the No. 5 blast furnace has consistently supplied high-quality molten iron to the steelmaking process, achieving top economic, technical, and environmental performance。

In 2020, the furnace underwent a major overhaul, with the domestic replacement of valves in the pulverized coal injection system becoming a key task of the maintenance project. Originally, the valves used in the PCI system were German Argus brand metal hard-sealed valves. Although these valves had a service life of 3 to 5 years, their high cost, long delivery times, and many issues with procurement and after-sales service made them increasingly unsustainable. Specifically, the DN250 pneumatic hard-sealed ball valves, which cost over ¥200,000 each, failed after 4 years of use due to wear on the ball core and valve seat.

To address this challenge, the ironworks leadership and expert team actively sought domestic alternatives, setting strict requirements for the valve’s wear resistance, sealing level, torque control, and service life. After rigorous selection and testing, Kingway’s KOWOV ceramic valves, with their excellent wear resistance, extended service life, and significant cost-effectiveness, were highly recognized by the customer and became the new choice for the PCI system valves.

Kingway’s KOWOV ceramic valves feature an internal flow path made from wear-resistant structural ceramics, and the main sealing pair is designed with a ceramic-to-ceramic hard seal. The hardness of the ceramic exceeds HRA87, far surpassing that of comparable products. Through high-precision machining and paired grinding processes, the valves ensure zero-leakage sealing performance. Additionally, the self-lubricating properties of the structural ceramics reduce the torque required for operation, which is only one-fifth of that needed for metal hard-sealed valves, significantly facilitating installation and maintenance.

As of now, KOWOV ceramic valves have been operating on the No. 5 blast furnace for more than five years, and they continue to perform reliably. After dismantling and inspection, the ceramic components, such as the ball core, valve body lining, and flange lining, remain intact, and the sealing performance and switching action are still as good as new. At less than half the price of imported valves, KOWOV ceramic valves have not only surpassed the performance of imported valves but have also saved the customer millions of yuan in spare parts and repair costs.

Entering 2025, Kingway has been moving forward steadily for 27 years. The company has always adhered to the corporate spirit of "Integrity, Research, Durability, and Excellence," dedicated to building harmonious fluid systems and creating greater value for customers with professional products and outstanding services.