Editors: | F. Kongoli, T. Usui, R.A. Vilela, J. A. de Castro, W. F. Santos, J. Poveromo, GS. Mahobia, B. Deo |
Publisher: | Flogen Star OUTREACH |
Publication Year: | 2023 |
Pages: | 441 pages |
ISBN: | 978-1-989820-72-8 (CD) |
ISSN: | 2291-1227 (Metals and Materials Processing in a Clean Environment Series) |
FeSiMn is a ferroalloy that contains iron, silicon and manganese as its main components. It is widely used in the steel industry as an alloying additive to improve steel properties. In the manufacturing process, the charge of ores and other materials is fed into the furnace. The furnace is heated and melted by means of heat generated by electric current in electric reduction furnaces. During the reduction reaction, manganese is reduced by the carbon and combines with the iron and silicon present in the charge, forming FeSiMn.
An electric reduction furnace is a piece of equipment that uses electricity as an energy source to heat and melt the load of ores and reducing agents. In this type of furnace, electrical energy is supplied by electrodes that are inserted into the furnace. Electric current passes through the electrodes and creates an electric arc, which generates intense heat. This heat is used to heat and melt the charge of ores and other materials.
FeSiMn from Granha Ligas in Conselheiro Lafaiete, Minas Gerais, is produced in an electric submerged arc furnace. In 2022, in order to increase the productivity of Furnace 1, a renovation was carried out in September and November 2022 to resize it, redefining its design parameters, such as diameter and spacing between electrodes, furnace diameter and power density.
For the present work, geometric parameters of the furnace were changed, such as spacing between electrodes and crucible area, in addition to other variables. Subsequently, the post-renovation productivity gain and parameter redefinition were analyzed, reaching an increase of almost 33% in production per ton/hour, in addition to a 3% reduction in specific energy consumption, demonstrating the importance of the kiln's geometric relationship and its productivity.