Optimization of the Injectors Position for an Electric Arc Furnace by using CFD Simulation

In this study, complex processes in a typical Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) such as combustion, radiation, heat, and mass transfer were solved and the optimum injector location was found using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The main aim of the injection optimization was to improve the thermal performance and the metallurgical process by changing the injection angle, the central angle of the injector (CAI), and injector length. Fifteen parametric cases were predicted and analyzed for optimization study. To decrease each simulation solution time of each cases, a polyhedral mesh structure was used instead of tetrahedral mesh for the EAF geometry. Thus, the total element number of the model was decreased by ۱/۵ while providing faster and unchanging results compared to the case with a tetrahedral mesh structure. The response surface optimization method was used for the optimization study. As a result, the optimum injector positioning was obtained as injection angle: -۴۵°, injector length ۶۱۴ mm, and CAI: ۶۰°.

Keywords:

Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) , Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) , Fine coal combustion , Injectors , Optimization