Mathematical modelling and the influence of process para-meters on the temperature profile in a submerged arc furnace producing ferro-chromium

Abstract

Control of the temperature profile is a crucial factor for optimising the energy consumption and regulating the quality of the hot metal produced in submerged arc furn-ace. Factors such as the heat generated at the electrodes, the heat loss, the heat consumed by chemical reactions, the packing density of the charge materials etc. deter-mine the profile. This in turn decides the production rate and the chemistry of the hot metal. Controlling the level of impurities in the hot metal such as the level of silicon in ferro-chromium can be achieved through the mapping of the temperature profile and regulating the process accordingly. The communication describes the mathematical modelling of the temperature profile in the submerged arc furnace and analyses the influence of several process parameters on the same.