How To Calculate PCD of Submerged Arc Furnace

PCD of Submerged Arc Furnace

What is SAF Pole Distance

It refers to the vertical distance between the electrode pole center (i.e. the center point of the electrode) and the furnace bottom or molten metal surface of the submerged arc furnaces. This distance is very important for the working efficiency of the submerged arc furnace and the stability of the smelting process.

The choice of pole distance will directly affect the following aspects:

• Current density: 

Too large or too small pole distance will affect the distribution of current between the electrode and the charge, and thus affect the smelting efficiency.

• Heat conduction: 

Appropriate PCD helps to optimize the heat transfer of the arc, improve temperature uniformity, and avoid local overheating or cooling.

• Operational flexibility: 

In the design of pole distance, it is necessary to consider the convenience of operations such as charging, discharging, and adjusting electrodes.

• Furnace lining & equipment life: 

Reasonable pole distance of submerged arc furnaces can reduce the thermal shock of the furnace lining, increase its service life, and reduce maintenance costs.

How To Calculate PCD of Submerged Arc Furnace

The following factors are usually considered when calculating the pole distance of SAF:

1) Electrode diameter:

Submerged arc furnace pole distance is often related to the electrode diameter. In the design, the geometric parameters in the furnace, such as the pole circle diameter, furnace diameter and furnace depth, are usually determined according to the multiples of the electrode diameter.

2) Empirical coefficient:

Based on the design experience of the submerged arc smelting furnace, there are some standardized coefficients to help calculate these geometric parameters.

3) Power factor:

During the design process, there is usually a fixed power factor (such as 0.9), which will affect the determination of the SAF capacity.

The specific calculation steps are as follows:

a. Determine the capacity of the submerged arc furnaces: Calculate the estimated capacity of the submerged electric arc furnace based on the power factor (such as 0.9).

b. Determine the safe current: Determine the safe current on the electrode based on the current per square centimeter of the carbon electrode (such as 7A).

c. Calculate the electrode diameter: Calculate the required electrode diameter based on the safe current and the characteristics of the electrode material.

d. Calculate PCD: Calculate the PCD of the submerged arc furnace with the help of standardized coefficients and electrode diameter.

Combining these steps, the following is a simplified PCD calculation formula for an electric arc furnace:

PCD=power factor × SAF capacity × safe current × electrode & cross-sectional area

Note: This formula is a simplified calculation method. The actual calculation may need to consider more factors, such as the thermal efficiency, operating temperature, material properties, etc. of the furnace.

Generally speaking, the PCD of submerged arc furnace specific value will be adjusted according to the furnace type, production process and the characteristics of the processed ore. 

If you need more detailed or specific parameters, or have design requirements for a specific type of electric arc furnace, please let me know and I can help you find relevant information!