Method and arrangement for melting charges, particularly for use in the production of steel

摘要

A charge consisting, for example, of scrap, and/or ore, pellets, sinter and the like, is admitted into a vertically arranged melting chamber and forms a column therein. The leading end of the column is melted with an electric arc which is preferably generated by means of a plurality of electrodes arranged circumferentially of the melting chamber so as to be of annular configuration. In this manner, a downwardly extending projection is formed within the confines of the periphery of the leading end of the column and this bears against the bottom of the melting chamber thereby supporting the column. If necessary, the charge may be reduced in the melting chamber prior to being melted. An outlet for the molten material is provided and may be located in the bottom of the chamber or in the wall of the chamber. In the former event, it is preferable for the outlet to be surrounded by a projection extending upwardly from the bottom of the chamber whereas, in the latter event, it is preferable for the outlet to be upwardly spaced from the bottom of the chamber. The reason is that such a construction is effective for permitting the molten material to remain on the bottom of the chamber for a short period prior to its outflow from the chamber so that the molten material is superheated by the electric arc. It is of advantage when the dimensions of the projection in the leading end of the column are maintained sufficiently small to prevent substantial heat transfer from the molten material to the column.