Author(s)

L. Labiscsak, G. Straffelini, C. Corbetta & M. Bodino

Abstract

In the present work, a complete three dimensional fluid dynamics simulation of reacting fluid flow in post-combustion chamber of an electric arc furnace is presented. The chemical composition of the simulated off-gases was representing typical crucial load. The gap (where oxygen enters to combust hydrogen and carbon monoxide) size was an independent variable. The optimal gap size is desirable: if the gap size is too large, the thermal efficiency diminishes. On the other hand, if the chosen gap size is too small, oxygen deficiency occurs, which lead to incomplete combustion of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Herein established, that by means of CFD calculation, the optimal gap size can be evaluated for a particular steelmaking furnace. Keywords: steelmaking, post-combustion, CFD. 1 Introduction The steel production by electric arc furnace (EAF) from scrap metal is widely used technique. During the production of steel considerable amount of combustible gases are formed such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen, which are extracted directly through the fourth hole, which is placed on the water-cooled furnace roof. As a result, the furnace inner is depressurized, which helps to minimize the harmful gas emissions, and air enters the furnace from the factory’s ambient. The flow rate of the penetrating air (usually called false air), is defined by: the suction flow-rate of the direct evacuation system (DES),the design of the furnace inner and the amount of generated gases in the furnace. Consequently, the operation of the DES influences the mass and energy balance of the EAF.

Keywords

steelmaking, post-combustion, CFD