Modeling the operation of ferroalloy furnace with increased power and electrode diameters

Using an electrolytic model, the authors investigated the operation of a ferroalloy furnace with increased electrode diameters and power. A traditional aqueous solution with a concentration of 0.2 % NaCl was used as the working fluid. Diameter of the electrodes was increased from 30 to 150 mm. The parameters of furnaces with a capacity from 7.5 – 10.5 to 81 MV·A during ferrosilicon smelting correspond to the results of simulation experiments, which were confirmed during the smelting of 45 % ferrosilicon in industrial furnaces with similar relative technological parameters. The type of dependence of the decrease in bath resistance on the increase in electrode diameter for industrial ferroalloy furnaces is similar to the dependence obtained as a result of modeling experiments. The factor of a significant decrease in the bath resistance due to an increase in electrode diameter for ferroalloy furnaces of different capacities during the smelting of a single alloy is very significant. With an increase in current strength of the elect­rode, electrical efficiency, the furnace power factor and the share of active power in the bath decrease. Analysis of the furnace parameters during smelting of 45 % ferrosilicon confirms the conclusions of electrolytic modeling of ferroalloy furnaces about the significant role of increasing the dia­meter of furnace electrodes in reducing the bath active resistance.