Gas Inlet Bustle

The Gas Inlet Bustle is a specialized piping assembly that serves as the primary gas distribution manifold in a Direct Reduction Shaft Furnace. It receives hot reducing gases (typically a mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and natural gas) from the main gas supply system and distributes them uniformly to multiple tuyeres or injection nozzles positioned around the furnace's circumference. This ensures consistent gas flow and pressure to all injection points, which is essential for maintaining uniform reduction conditions throughout the furnace burden. The bustle is typically constructed as a large-diameter circular or semi-circular pipe that encircles the furnace shaft, with multiple branch connections leading to individual injection points.

The Gas Inlet Bustle operates on fluid distribution principles. Hot reducing gases enter the bustle through one or more main inlet connections. The bustle's large cross-sectional area and circular design help maintain consistent pressure throughout the system. The gases then flow through multiple branch pipes or tuyeres that connect to injection nozzles positioned at regular intervals around the furnace. This design ensures that each injection point receives approximately equal gas flow, which is critical for achieving uniform reduction reactions across the entire furnace cross-section. Pressure regulators and flow control valves are typically integrated into the bustle system to manage gas distribution.