EAF OPTIMIZATION INCREASES PRODUCTIVITY WHILE REDUCING POLLUTION AND PRODUCTION COSTS

摘要

EFSOP?, the Expert Furnace System Optimization Process, has been developed by Goodfellow Technologies Inc. (GTI) to improve the efficiency of the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steelmaking process. As operating personnel are pressured to maximize productivity, process modifications have been made, resulting in a large increase in energy losses through the off-gases in the form of chemical potential energy. Using furnace operating parameters, coupled with continuous off-gas analysis, process parameters can be tuned in real-time to optimize combustion efficiency and energy recovery in the furnace shell. In addition, creating a controlled combustion environment in the furnace can lead to pollutant emissions reduction. EFSOP?, which has been installed in a number of steelmills, allows for assessment and optimization of combustion efficiency and, more recently, determination of pollutant sources and formulation of abatement or minimization strategies thereof. Closed loop control of a number of process variables, including solids and gas injection, is available to ensure least cost solutions. Savings of 35 kWh/ton and $1 million have been documented. Various components of EFSOP? will be described and examples of steelmill data presented.