Adjusting characteristics of electric arc furnaces

The dependences of the electric and electrotechnological parameters of electric arc furnaces on the arc length in different heat periods are considered.     

New algorithm for controlling electric arc furnaces using their vibrational and acoustic characteristics

The processes occurring in arc discharges are analyzed as the sources of acoustic radiation in an electric arc furnace (EAF). Acoustic vibrations are shown to transform into mechanical vibrations in the furnace laboratory. The shielding of the acoustic energy fluxes onto water-cooled wall panels by a charge is experimentally studied. It is shown that the rate of charge melting and the depth of submergence of arc discharges in the slag and metal melt can be monitored by measuring the vibrational characteristics of furnaces and using them in a universal industrial process-control system, which was developed for EAFs.     

Innovation approaches to controlling the electric regimes of electric arc furnaces

The processes of current passage in an ac electric arc furnace (EAF) are subjected to industrial experiments and mathematical simulation. It is shown that, when a charge is melted, arcs between charge fragments exist in series with main arc discharges, and these arcs influence the stability of the main arc discharges. The measurement of instantaneous currents and voltages allowed us to perform a real-time calculation of the electrical characteristics of a three-phase circuit and to determine the θ parameter, which characterizes the nonlinearity of the circuit segment between electrodes. Based on these studies, we created an advanced system for controlling the electric regime of EAF.     

Analysis of electric arc furnaces efficiency via frequency spectrum-based arc coverage detection

We introduce the analysis of variables measured outside a direct current electric arc furnace that are related to the arc coverage and its electric energy efficiency. We derive an on-line reference to the arc coverage suitable for control decisions. In order to do so, we study the furnace shell vibration frequency spectrum as structure-borne sound sensed by a microphone. The data is analysed using real time software tools to obtain the sound signal spectrum associated with arc coverage likewise related to the optimal performance of the furnace. A statistical test is performed to prove the relationship between sound and electric energy efficiency.     

Characteristics of electric arc furnaces powered by a low-frequency alternating current

The changes in the parameters of a DSP-100 electric arc furnace that are induced by a decrease in the current frequency are considered. It is shown that the related decrease in the current lead resistances causes an increase in the arc power and voltage, a decrease in the reactive power, and an increase in the electrical efficiency and the power coefficient. The heat indices are expected to be significantly improved.     

Some metallurgical aspects of steelmaking with sponge iron in electric arc furnaces

Test charges containing sponge iron proportions varying from 38.7–95.4 wt% of the metallic input were melted in a UHP electric arc furnace with a design capacity of 70 tons per heat. After melting started, samples of molten metal and the corresponding slag were taken simultaneously at different time intervals and analysed. The time dependence of the chemical composition of the metal and slag as well as the variation of the temperature of the melt with time are given. Thermodynamic calculations using different methods for finding the activity of ferrous oxide show that there is a linear relationship between a_(FeO) and the total ferrous oxide content in the slag. It is also found that the total ferrous oxide content in the slag and the oxygen concentration in the metal vary linearly with the iron proportion from sponge iron in the metallic input. The activity of ferrous oxide decreases with increasing slag basicity due to the formation of calcium ferrites. The relationship between the oxygen concentration and the reciprocal of the carbon content in liquid steel is almost linear. A formula showing the influence of some important factors on the oxygen content in molten steel is given. The effect of sponge iron on the sulphur concentration in the steel is also investigated. The present results indicate that the sulphur content in the steel can be reduced from 0.02 to 0.004 wt% by increasing the iron proportion from sponge iron in the metallic input from 35 to 95 wt %. Using the boundary layer diffusion model, it is found that the rate of decarburization of a steel bath is enhanced by increasing the sponge iron proportion in the metallic input. The activation energy of the decarburization reaction is found to be 56.9 kJ/mol and the mass transfer coefficient of carbon has a value of 0.0161 cm/s at 1 600°C. In a way similar to that used for decarburization, it is also found that the rate of oxidation of manganese dissolved in the bath is enhanced by increasing the sponge iron proportion in the metallic input.     

Conversion of arc steelmaking furnaces into plasma furnaces

Chelyabinsk Girpomez. Translated from Metallurg, No. 8, pp. 29–30, August, 1988.     

The influence of gas injection arc stabilization and electrode consumption in electric furnaces

Abstract

By means of relatively simple modifications a conventional arc furnace can be made to produce a long, stable plasma flame. This technique may be applied to scrap melting in the steel industry.

The results of laboratory experiments and plant trials, using à 3-ton production furnace, are discussed with respect to electrical characteristics, and potential refractory , electrode, and power savings

Résumé

Au moyen de modifications relativement simples, un four à arc conventionnel peut produire une flamme de plasma longue et stable.

Cette technique peut être appliquée à la fusion de la ferraille dans l'industrie de l'acier.

Les resultats d'expériences de laboratoire et d'essais en usine sur un four de production de 3 tonnes sont discutes par rapport aux caractéristiques électriques et du point de vue des réfractaires, des electrodes et de l'économie de puissance.