Both the steel loss to scale and the scale adhesion are very important parameters of the heating process. High values of steel loss (large thickness of the scale layer) reduce the heat exchange intensity in the furnace chamber, which results in higher energy consumption. A low adhesion value adversely affects the operation of heating furnaces, while too high value causes the scale to roll into a steel product and deteriorate its purity and quality.
The paper presents the research methodology and the results of measurements of steel loss and scale adhesion. The effect of the excess air combustion ratio values on loss of steel and scale adhesion for constant furnace efficiency is discussed. This influence was described by mathematical dependencies. The tests were carried out for traditional technology and rational technology, enabling the reduction of steel losses to scale and energy consumption.