Electrical Conditions in 3-phase Submerged Arc Furnaces: Learning from the ElMet Project

ElMet is the short name for a competence project (2015-2020) on electrical conditions in 3-phase submerged arc furnaces (SAFs). In the project, NORCE has cooperated closely with The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), University of Oxford, University of Santiago de Compostela, and the industrial partners, Elkem and Eramet Norway. ElMet has focused on mathematical modelling, and a set of tools have been utilized: • Basic equation analysis, together with very simplified models, have clarified fundamental aspects. • 2D and 3D models have then supplied important overall insight. • Finally, metamodels have enabled a link between physics- and data-based modelling. The ElMet project has established a sound basis for understanding electrical conditions in SAFs, and proper tools have been developed and tested for future use: • Flexible 3D simulations models to be applied for various case studies. • A strong electromagnetic proximity effect for (almost) parallel currents has been discovered. • Induced currents in the furnace steel shell carry information that might be utilized for identification of inner conditions. • Metamodels, together with additional measurements, seem suitable for on-line use and to identify inner furnace conditions.