Authors: L. Gunnewiek, L. Oshinowo, T. Plikas and R. Haywood
Multiphase Phenomena and CFD Modeling and Simulation in Materials Processes, 2004
Abstract
Electric furnace smelting is one of the principal unit operations for ferroalloy production, and increased process intensity, improved availability, minimal maintenance and a longer campaign life are common objectives for electric furnace operation in order to obtain favourable economics of production. Furnace designers have continued to develop innovative solutions, e.g,, furnace cooling systems, that have allowed these objectives to be realised and CFD modelling plays a key role in the design process. Enhanced understanding of the energy transfer process in the furnace and the ability to develop, evaluate and optimize components of the crucible design to match process requirements arc the key motivators for modelling. This paper provides an overview of recent applications of CFD to the design of electric furnaces. The aim is to illustrate what can be done, and identify areas where further work is needed in this field. Examples include furnace bath simulation, crucible cooling system design, taphole design, baking of Soderherg electrodes, off-gas systems, and fume control and building ltterworth- ventilation. It is argued that the trend is for numerical models to become more encompassing while at the same time more accessible, and therefore further improvements in furnace design -Hall Inc. will be realised with continued and well validated modelling efforts.
