Design, Analysis and Operation of the Electrical Distribution System for a Modern Electric Arc Furnace and Ladle Melt Furnace

An electric arc furnace, a ladle melt furnace, a single-tank vacuum degasser, and a four-strand continuous caster comprise this new melting and casting operation that supports a rod and bar-in-coil rolling mill. This paper describes the design, analysis, and operation of the electrical distribution system for these modern electric arc furnace and ladle melt furnace. First, the design of the electrical distribution system provided adequate capacity to support simultaneous operation of both the electric arc furnace and the ladle melt furnace in support of melt-shop operations. Next, harmonic analysis and flicker analysis of the circuit supplying the furnaces resulted in specification of a multistage filter that insured acceptable levels of harmonic distortion and voltage flicker on the utility supply as well as voltage support during all stages of arcing. Finally, operation experience gained from furnace performance during the initial startup led to subsequent fine-tuning to achieve higher levels of production.