Optimization of the lining wear coefficient on the basis of control of three-phase current electric arcs characteristics

Introduction. Currently, the most important task of the steel industry is to constantly update the product range, increase its operational characteristics, and increase the efficiency of equipment use. Achieving goals is possible with a methodological base based on the principles of system analysis. In metallurgy, multi-electrode arc furnaces using three-phase alternating current are widely used. The lining layer present in such units during operation is subjected to thermal and electromagnetic effects created by the arc. A quantitative measure of this effect is the lining wear coefficient (LWC). In most studies, the influence of the described factors on the LWC is not taken into account. At the same time, heat fluxes affecting all elements of the furnace structure, including the lining, depend on the shape of the arc. Aim. Selecting the parameters of the electric arc furnace, which optimizes the lining wear coefficient. Materials and methods. When performing the work, methods of computational mathematics and evolutionary methods of numerical optimization of functions of many variables were used. Software which uses freely distributed scientific libraries was based on them. Results. The influence of the system of three burning arcs on the wear coefficient of the lining is considered taking into account the shape of the axis of the arc column. Conclusion. An algorithm and program have been elaborated that allow us to evaluate the thermal perception of the lining depending on the shape of the arcs. Based on the developed algorithm, special software can be created that is integrated into the system of automated regulation and prediction of the thermal operation of multi-electrode arc units to increase the reliability of assessing the wear of the furnace lining under different technological modes of arc burning.