A Finite-Element Package for the Analysis of Electromagnetic Forces and Power in an Electric Smelting Furnace

In a conventional matte smelting or slag resistance furnace electrical conduction currents flowing in a molten slag are used to generate the required process heat. Such furnaces generally involve a 6-in line electrode geometry, with the electrodes generally being in excess of 1m diameter and the electrode currents being on the order of 100 kA. One of the principal electrical design problems is the calculation of the power and current distribution. These parameters directly influence the furnace operating practice and the design of the furnace electrical equipment and refractories. An additional design problem is that of refractory and electrode erosion due to the slag motion. The electromagnetic body forces are among the principle forces which drive the recirculatory slag flow. A finite-element numerical model, which determines the distribution of the furnace power and the electromagnetic body forces as a function of the furnace operating parameters is described. The advantages of this method over existing methods are described.