Development of an Automatic Control Algorithm for the Combined RCB-Burners and Carbon Material Injectors of the Flexible Modular Furnace

The paper considers a control algorithm for combined RCB-burners and carbon-containing material injectors of the flexible modular furnace EAF-1, operating in the steelmaking workshop. It has been revealed that in the conception adopted at the plant the decision on switching over the RCB-burner from the burner mode to the oxygen lance mode, as well as switching on the injectors of carbon raw materials (CRM) is made directly by the operator of the furnace unit based on a set of empirical features, characteristic for this or that technological stage of the melting. In this connection, the improved algorithm of RCB-burner and CRM injectors control, which will make it possible to take the above mentioned decisions in the automatic mode, has been developed and proposed for implementation. This algorithm is based on analysis of slag ratio, the value of which depends directly on the level of higher harmonics in the electric arc current signals, as well as physical processes occurring inside the furnace bath. Implementation of the proposed algorithm will ensure the timeliest adaptation of combined burner and CRM injector operating modes, which in turn will improve the overall energy efficiency of steelmaking complex due to an increase in the total thermal efficiency of electric arcs and optimum mode of burner operation.