Title

EFFICIENT HEATING AND STIRRING DURING LADLE REFINING IN ASEA-SKF

EFFICIENT HEATING AND STIRRING DURING LADLE REFINING IN ASEA-SKF

Authorship

GRIMFJÄRD, GÖRAN; EKMAN, WILHELM

GRIMFJÄRD, GÖRAN

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EKMAN, WILHELM

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DOI

10.5151/2594-5300-17Aciaria-549-564

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Abstract

Among ladle furnaces today, the ASEA-SKF has the most efficient steel reheating system. Generally, a certain heating rate demand (°C/min) is realized by a smaller transformer rating than by other designs, resulting in lower electricity and refractory consumption. For the same transformer rating, the steel is reheated faster with low refractory wear. The ASEA philosophy is to heat the steel at atmospheric pressure and to use induction stirring, which provides efficient heat transfer and homogenization. The use of short arcs improves heating efficiency and reduces specific energy consumption. Induction stirring ensures uniform temperature distribution, minimizes reoxidation, and improves alloy dissolution and cleanliness of the steel. Compared to gas stirring, induction stirring reduces oxidation losses and enhances process control. The system also allows efficient removal of inclusions and gases, contributing to high-quality steel production. Operational data show high electrical efficiency, low consumption of electrodes and refractories, and high availability of the equipment.

Among ladle furnaces today, the ASEA-SKF has the most efficient steel reheating system. Generally, a certain heating rate demand (°C/min) is realized by a smaller transformer rating than by other designs, resulting in lower electricity and refractory consumption. For the same transformer rating, the steel is reheated faster with low refractory wear. The ASEA philosophy is to heat the steel at atmospheric pressure and to use induction stirring, which provides efficient heat transfer and homogenization. The use of short arcs improves heating efficiency and reduces specific energy consumption. Induction stirring ensures uniform temperature distribution, minimizes reoxidation, and improves alloy dissolution and cleanliness of the steel. Compared to gas stirring, induction stirring reduces oxidation losses and enhances process control. The system also allows efficient removal of inclusions and gases, contributing to high-quality steel production. Operational data show high electrical efficiency, low consumption of electrodes and refractories, and high availability of the equipment.

Keywords

Ladle refining, Arc heating, Induction stirring, ASEA-SKF, Steel heating

Ladle refining, Arc heating, Induction stirring, ASEA-SKF, Steel heating