Measurement of temperature profiles in the electrodes of arc furnaces for silicon metal production

Temperature greatly influences the electrical behavior of electrodes in arc furnaces used for silicon metal production. Therefore, temperature profiles along the electrodes can be used as a complement to electrical measurements, in order for on-line monitoring of furnace operation to be improved, and in some cases for the causes of a given malfunction to be identified. This paper describes the methodology that is being applied to determine the temperature profiles along the electrodes in a kind of arc furnaces used for silicon metal production. Experimental results are also presented, showing how this information can be used to avoid critical failures of the furnace and also for preventive maintenance purposes.