The main parameters of the converter are:

(1) The nominal tonnage of the converter.

(2)The furnace volume ratio.

Also known as the volume coefficient, it is the ratio of the working volume (also known as the effective volume) of the converter after bricklaying to the nominal tonnage. It can be represented by the symbol V/T and the unit is m3/t.

The furnace volume ratio indicates the smelting space required for each nominal tonnage of steel. If the raw material contains a high proportion of molten iron, or the Si and P content in the molten iron is high, or the coolant is mainly iron ore (or iron oxide scale), the furnace volume ratio should be larger. The furnace volume ratio is generally in the range of 0.85 to 1.0. To reduce splashing, the furnace volume ratio should be above 0.90.

(3) Height-to-width ratio.

The ratio of the total height of the converter to the outer diameter of the furnace shell is represented by Htotal/Dshell.

If the aspect ratio is too large, the converter body will be elongated, increasing the height of the plant building and related equipment, leading to corresponding increases in capital investment and equipment costs. If the aspect ratio is too small, the converter will be short and fat, making it easy for splashes to be ejected from the furnace mouth, resulting in significant heat and metal losses, and also worsening the working environment for operators. Therefore, the aspect ratio is also an indicator of the rationality of the converter design and the appropriateness of the various parameters.The aspect ratio is generally selected within the range of 1.35 to 1.65.