The High Current D. C. Arc in Extractive Metallurgy

摘要

The use of high current electric arcs infurnaces for the extraction of metals is brieflyreviewed. The recent history of d.c. open-arc furnaceapplications in extractive metallurgy is given togetherwith a general description of the construction andoperation of this type of electric furnace. Theadvantages and obstacles to utilizing higher voltageoperation in these furnaces leads to a requirement thatthe fundamental behaviour of d.c. high current arcs inhot furnace environments should be better understood.The theoretical and experimental studies carried out inthis field, including the contribution of Szekely andco-authors, is reviewed. It is concluded that furtherresearch and development work in developing dynamicmodels of arc behaviour and associated measurements ofthese model parameters should be undertaken. Thisinformation can then be applied to the design of thepower supply equipment for d.c. arc furnaces to improvearc stability and allow higher voltage operation. Theinfluence of feed materials and foamy slags on arc columnbehaviour would also be valuable in further improvingthe performance of d.c. are furnaces.