Modeling and Validation of the Radiative Heat Transfer in an Electric Arc Furnace

Abstract

This paper presents an approach to the mathematical modeling and validation of the radiative heat-transfer processes in an electric arc furnace (EAF). This radiative heat transfer represents an important part of the complete EAF model, which is further composed of electrical, hydraulic, thermal, chemical and mass-transfer sub-models. These have already been addressed in our previous publications. It is well known that during the operation of an EAF all three types of heat transfer (conductive, convective and radiative) are present; however, a great portion of the heat is transferred between the surfaces by means of radiation. The model presented in this work uses a simplified internal geometry of the EAF to represent the relations between the defined EAF zones and is developed in accordance with fundamental thermodynamic laws. The parameters of the model were fitted using the geometrical relations in the EAF; theoretically, using the conclusions from different studies involved in EAF modeling; and experimentally, using the measured temperatures on the furnace roof and the water-cooled panels. Since the radiative heat mostly represents a negative impact on the furnace roof, walls and linings, the obtained model represents an important part of the complete EAF. The presented results show satisfactory levels of similarity between the measured and simulated temperatures of the roof and water-cooled panels, which suggest that the presented model is relatively accurate and follows the fundamental laws of thermodynamics. Possessing such a model is of special importance when enhancing the EAF process using different optimization techniques, since the radiative impacts on the furnace need to be taken into the account in order to maintain or reduce the wear on the furnace lining.