An experimental observation on the effects of different lime feeding methods to time and energy in electric arc furnace

Electric Arc Furnaces which is known important recycling method in our country and all over the world, operate with high electrical energy consumption. From past to present it is known that is made a great variety of innovation studies to improve reproductivity and to reduce costs. Most of investigation studies are focused on reducing the main consumption cost, in other words the electrical energy consumption. In this context, it is known that is made different studies like improving scrap preheating systems, setting up carbon and oxygen (oxy-burner) injection systems, designing mobilization systems (using sensors) in Electric Arc Furnaces. When analyzing charge and feeding systems of Electric Arc furnace it was seen that the feeding types of the lime which is one of the inputs of the furnece can be effective on the electric energy consumption. For this reason in this study, it is investigated that the effects of different lime feeding methods on energy and time in the electric arc furnace. For this purpose, the lime was feeded into the eletcric arc furnace three casting in a scrap basket and three casting with a conveyor system on the furnace roof. In experiments in which were used same quality of scrap, oxygen, natural gas, carbon and lime different quantity of lime was feeded in two methods and for taking of samples in smelting process lime was added to the eletric arc furnace and production processes were completed. When production values are compared it seen that energy consumption is less than 31,1 kWh/t and power on time is less than 0,64 min. in the lime feeding system from roof. In a factory which has 1.000.000 tones/year production capacity it can be possible to provide 31.100.000 kWh energy saving for a year.