Effect of Arc Length on Fluid Flow and Mixing Phenomena in AC Electric Arc Furnaces

Abstract

Fluid flow and mixing phenomena in an industrial three phase Electric Arc Furnace has been investigated, as a function of arc length. Velocity and temperature fields as well as mixing times were computed, assuming that liquid steel occupies the whole computational domain and buoyancy forces are responsible for convective flow. It is reported a strong effect of arc length on both fluid flow and mixing time, suggesting a metallurgical practice with long arc operation to improve the melting kinetics of the metallic charge. Thermal stratification has also been confirmed, however the volume of hot steel increases when arc length also increases.