Oxylance® Tube For Furnaces

Oxygen Lancing in the Pyrometallurgical Environment

Lancing is the introduction of piped oxygen (or chlorine in the case of aluminium) during the manufacture of ferrous and non ferrous metals through the use of an oxygen lance tube, sometimes also called lancing pipe. Metals produced in this manner include:

• Various types and grades of steel
• Copper
• Cobalt
• Nickel
• Zinc
• Iron and pig iron
• Titanium
• Aluminium

Oxygen is piped at high pressures through the tube and reacts with impurities to form the various metal oxides (or chloride in the case of Aluminium) which then float to the surface of the melt (molten metal) where they can be more easily separated by being skimmed off or poured out.

The reaction caused by piping high pressure oxygen into the molten metal results in the accelerated oxidation of the lance tube which melts, being incorporated into the molten metal.

Due to the dangers present within a smelting environment, the use of ordinary steel tube is not advised. Neven Matthews (Pty) Ltd produces Oxylance® oxygen lance tube strictly in accordance with SABS 62 conveyance tube specification. The tube undergoes rigorous quality assurance testing including destructive and non destructive sample testing before it is approved for use.

Electric resistance welded (ERW) mild steel is the material of choice for oxygen lance tube. Neven Matthews (Pty) Ltd supplies Oxylance® tube fitted with a patented quick connector system which enables the lancing operator to quickly and safely join multiple lengths together to  maintain a safe working distance as well as provide continuity of oxygen feed at a critical stage of the melting production process.