Abstract

The heat transfer processes and the molten metal bath kinetics of the electric arc furnace are governed by the changes in the arc length and voltage. Thus, information on the electric arc behavior with respect to the voltage is important for accurate computation of the furnace processes and adjustment of the industrial furnace parameters. In this work, the length-voltage characteristics of electric arcs have been studied in a pilot-scale AC electric arc furnace with image analysis, electrical data from the furnace, and slag composition. The arc length was determined with image analysis and the relation between the arc length and voltage from test data. The relation between arc length and voltage was found to be non-linear and dependent on the slag composition. The voltage gradients of the arcs were evaluated as a function of arc length and sum of anode and cathode voltage drops resulting in a reciprocal relation. Furthermore, the electrical conductivity of the arc plasma with respect to arc length was estimated.

Highlights

  • THE relation between electrical data and length of the arc has a vital role in electric arc furnace (EAF) heat transfer processes

  • The electric arcs have been studied with image analysis accompanied with slag composition and electrical data for a pilot-scale AC EAF

  • The minimum voltages measured for the arc lengths near zero were observed to be affected by the slag composition

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Summary

Introduction

THE relation between electrical data and length of the arc has a vital role in electric arc furnace (EAF) heat transfer processes It can be assumed, with the support of computational models, that convection and radiation dominate for short and long arcs, respectively.[1] Computational studies have shown that, for an AC EAF, operating with long arc lengths decreases the mixing time of the bath.[2] In order to increase heating efficiency and reduce the forming of hot spots on EAF walls in the case of long arcs, foaming of slag is usually required.[3] The foaming slag partially or totally covers the arc and significantly reduces the radiative heat transfer to the furnace walls and roof. A model to study the melting rate of direct reduced iron strongly suggests operating with long arcs, since the thermal homogenization of the molten bath increases with increasing arc length.[4]

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