6. Conclusion

In this article on blast furnace theory and operation, the theoretical physico-chemical and thermal foundations of the process were studied. Gas and liquid flows in granular beds were described. A modern approach to the flow of granular solids has been proposed, deduced from the theory of soil mechanics.

The overall picture of the various characteristic zones of the blast furnace has been described, based on observations and measurements made on industrial equipment.

These elements form the basis for a detailed model of the device's operation, discussed in the article [M 7 401] .