Optimisation of the electric arc furnace lancing strategy by physical and numerical simulation

Due to a partial lack of detailed knowledge of the relevant physical processes, the operational proceeding of oxygen and solid material injection in the electric arc furnace is often still based on experience. Therefore, the influence of important operational parameters on the fluid dynamics of the DC electric arc furnace have been investigated to find optimised lancing conditions. Therefore, physical model trials and additional numerical simulation were performed. Based on a defined standard operation condition, oxygen‐ and particle flowrate, lance inclination and distance of the nozzle from melt surface were varied. Furthermore, different geometrical nozzle arrangements and the influence of the electric arc were investigated. The resulting mixing of the melt, particle dispersion, surface fluctuations, and foaming behaviour were compared. Suggestions have been made for improved lancing strategy and lance design.