Submerged Arc Furnace Process Characteristics

Submerged arc furnace process equipment mainly consists of the furnace body, furnace cover, short net, water cooling system, smoke exhaust system, dust removal system, waste heat treatment system, electrode shell, electrode pressing and lifting system, loading and unloading system, gripper, burn-through device, hydraulic system, SAF transformer and various electrical equipment.

Main Uses of Submerged Arc Furnace

Submerged arc furnaces is an electric furnace that uses submerged arc process to produce ferrochrome. Also known as arc furnace or resistance furnace, its mainly used for reducing and smelting raw materials such as ore, carbonaceous reducing agent and solvent. It consists of a furnace container lined with refractory materials and three electrodes immersed in slag.

Submerged arc smelting furnace is the main equipment for producing ferroalloys such as ferrosilicon, ferromanganese, ferrochrome, ferrotungsten, silicon-manganese alloy, etc. These ferroalloys are important industrial raw materials in the metallurgical industry and are widely used in steel smelting, casting, machinery manufacturing and other fields.

Production of Chemical Raw Materials:

Submerged arc furnaces also used to produce chemical raw materials such as calcium carbide. Calcium carbide is an important raw material in chemical production and can be used to produce gases such as acetylene, which in turn is used in processes such as welding and cutting.

Smelting Non-ferrous Metals:

Submerged arc smelting furnace can also be used to smelt non-ferrous metals such as copper and aluminum, reducing metal oxides to pure metals through reduction reactions.

Characteristics of Submerged Arc Furnace Process

1) One of the main advantages of the SAF smelting process is the ability to produce high-quality ferrochrome alloys with low carbon content

This is achieved by maintaining a highly reducing atmosphere in the furnace, which allows chromium oxide to be effectively reduced to metallic chromium. Low carbon content is critical in the production of stainless steel as it helps maintain its corrosion resistance.

Submerged arc furnaces also allow the use of a variety of raw materials, including low-grade chromite ore, which may not be suitable for other production methods. This flexibility in raw material selection makes the process more cost-effective and sustainable. In addition, the furnace can accommodate a variety of feeds, enabling the production of different grades of ferrochrome to meet specific customer requirements.

2) The submerged arc furnaces process has excellent energy efficiency

The heat generated during operation is effectively utilized, resulting in lower energy consumption compared to other ferrochrome production methods. This energy efficiency not only reduces operating costs, but also contributes to a more environmentally friendly production process.

In terms of production capacity, submerged arc furnaces are designed to handle large quantities of molten metal. This allows for continuous production, ensuring a steady supply of ferrochrome to meet the growing needs of the stainless steel industry. High production capacity also makes the process economically viable, resulting in economies of scale and cost reduction.

The production of ferrochrome through the submerged arc smelting furnace process has a significant impact on the stainless steel industry. The high-quality ferrochrome produced through this process ensures that stainless steel products maintain their required corrosion resistance, durability and aesthetics.

Its ability to produce high-quality ferrochrome with low carbon content, flexible raw material selection, high energy efficiency and high production capacity make it the first choice for stainless steel manufacturers. As the demand for stainless steel continues to grow, the reduction smelting process will continue to be an important part of the ferrochrome production industry.

3) High-temperature Smelting

Submerged arc furnaces are able to provide a high-temperature environment that allows the metal elements in the ore to be fully melted and separated.

4) Flexible & Adjustable

By adjusting parameters such as charging ratio and heating temperature, it can adapt to the smelting needs of different ores.

5) Environmental Safety

During the smelting process, emissions need to be strictly controlled to reduce environmental pollution. At the same time, the cooling process also helps to ensure the quality and safety of the product.

Compared with other refining methods, the submerged arc furnace process has several advantages. Its an efficient process that can process large amounts of raw silicon at a time and is suitable for industrial-scale production.

Furthermore, compared with alternative methods, the submerged arc furnace smelting process is relatively cost-effective. Using electricity as a heat source eliminates the need for expensive fuel sources. In addition, by-products generated during the refining process can be captured and used in other applications, further reducing waste and costs.