The Olympic Games represent the pinnacle stage of sports competition,

serving as official recognition of athletes' excellence in their respective fields.

Yet there exists another kind of achievement whose value transcends all others—

that is, the spirit of breaking boundaries.

Records are constantly shattered and rewritten.

In the realm of competitive sports,

this perfectly embodies humanity's relentless drive to push the limits of physical performance.

In the broader context of social development,

such breakthroughs are even more the fruits of scientific and technological innovation.

      Recently, No. 5 snorkel at Station B of the RH vacuum degassing furnace of HBIS Tangsteel Medium and Heavy Plate Company was officially decommissioned. Having completed smelting of 228 heats of molten steel throughout its service life, it has set a new national record for the longest service life of RH snorkels.

RH Vacuum Degassing Furnace

      Utilizing vacuum technology to reduce gas content in molten steel, RH vacuum degassing furnaces are widely applied in the production of high-end, high-value-added premium products such as high-strength construction steel, bridge structural steel, pressure vessel steel and weathering steel.

      Two refractory-lined snorkels are connected to the lower part of the vacuum chamber of an RH vacuum degassing furnace. Their service life directly impacts the stable and efficient operation of the equipment as well as production costs.

      HBIS Tangsteel Medium and Heavy Plate Company has set up a special R&D team dedicated to improving RH snorkel service life, carrying out targeted research on key aspects of snorkel performance and maintenance.

      During daily operations, the team has continuously optimized key processes including the masonry method of reserved expansion joints at the tank bottom, snorkel preheating technology, snorkel slag repair technology, maintenance techniques for snorkel gunning blind spots, and baking and sealing technology.

      Meanwhile, through continuous research and improvement efforts, the company has significantly enhanced the vacuum treatment efficiency of RH furnaces, reduced energy consumption, and achieved a comprehensive cost reduction of RMB 3.9 per ton of steel.