Methods to optimize energy consumption in Conarc furnaces

Abstract

Abstract Over the past few decades, steelmaking has reached its zenith in terms of annual productivity, and relevant processes have been developed over time to produce steel with maximum efficiency in a shorter time. One of the prominent steelmaking practices used extensively in contemporary industries is the Conarc Steelmaking Practice, which involves the use of electrical and chemical Energy to carry out melting and decarburization in respective shells. This article reviews the factors that affect the energy consumption in Conarc furnaces and provides insight into the technologies developed to alleviate energy consumption and make the steelmaking process optimal in terms of energy consumption and requirement. This article also accentuates relevant systems and melting practices for the raw materials, which can be utilized in the Conarc Steelmaking practice to make the entire process less energy-intensive. Oxygen-enhanced combustion and thermophotovoltaic systems can alleviate energy consumption substantially while maintaining steel quality at the same time, as discussed in the paper. Additionally, some mathematical models have been discussed that facilitate in formulating an energy optimal and financial steelmaking process.

Keywords

• Steelmaking
• Conarc furnace
• Energy consumption
• Energy optimization
• Energy conservation and management in steelmaking