Numerical study of heating and melting of metal in the industrial scale direct current electrical arc furnace

S. Pavlovs¹ - A. Jakoviċs¹ - A. Chudnovsky²

¹ niversity of Latvia, 3 Jelgavas str., Riga, Latvia
² JSC LATVO, 53 Ganibu Dambis, Riga, Latvia

Abstract
The article deals with the study of the heating and melting process for the industrial scale direct current electrical arc furnace (DC EAF). Numerical modelling was performed using the enthalpy and porosity approach at equal values of metal solidus and liquidus temperatures when the mushy zone is represented by the linear distribution of the mass fraction. The heat flux supplied through the arc spot is estimated using the heat balance equation taking into account metal heating and melting, Joule heat, radiation at the metal mirror and convective heat transfer at the metal vessel covered with firebricks. Electrical parameters of the arc between the top electrode and the melt mirror are estimated using the heat flux value. Computed distributions of the metal liquid/solid mass fraction make it possible to estimate duration of heating and melting. Tables 2, Figs 3, Refs 8.