Authors: T. Gerritsen, T. Ma, M. Sedighy, J. Janzen, F.Stober, N. Voermann, J.R. Frias,C. Martinez
International Laterite Nickel Symposium, Roasting and Smelting, 2004
Abstract
Electrode control systems regulate power by physically positioning electrodes. Due to the size and weigth of the electrodes, this a slow process where power fluctuations of less than a few seconds are not fully corrected. Nickel laterite AC furnaces operating in high voltage, shielded are mode typically incur frequent power variations of approximately +/- 20% around the power set point. To provide enhanced power control, Hatch has recently supplied, at commercial sale, a thyristor-switched reactance system called an SPLC. The SPLC incorporates predictive control software to operate furnaces at the maximum transformer rating by reducing the large power swings experienced without the SPLC. The resulting higher average power enables higher production, without increasing transformer or power plant capacity. A 60 MW production version of the SPLC has been commissioned on Falconbridge Dominicana's laterite nickel furnace, yielding excellent results with a 3 to 1 reduction in power fluctuations.
