Abstract: Provided are a method and an arrangement for operating a metallurgical furnace. The method comprises a feeding step, and a temperature controlling step for controlling the temperature of a molten metal layer and a slag layer in a furnace space of the metallurgical furnace. The temperature controlling step comprises a first measuring step for measuring the slag temperature (Tslag), a second measuring step for measuring the slag liquidus temperature (Tslag, liquidus), and a calculating step for calculating a superheat temperature (Tsuperheat) by calculating the temperature difference between the slag temperature (Tslag) and the slag liquidus temperature (Tslag, liquidus). In case the calculated superheat temperature (Tsuperheat) is outside a predefined superheat temperature range (Tsuperheat set), the method comprises an adjusting step for adjusting to adjust the actual superheat temperature. Also provided are computer program products.

Abstract: A method of producing steel by charging a furnace with scrap metal and agglomerated oxy-carbon material into a workspace of a furnace, to reduce specific electricity consumption when melting. Increasing the iron output quantity by inputting electric energy, fuel, a carburizer, a flux and gaseous oxygen, using electric arc melting with decarburization of a metal bath, and releasing metal and slag from the furnace. Prior to melting, a portion of the material is loaded with a first portion of the metal charge into the central zone of the furnace, and the remaining material into the melted charge during melting 0.5-10 kg/min per 1 megavolt-ampere of electric arc transformer power. The oxy-carbon material size is between 5 and 80 millimeters.

Abstract: A decomposer for an organohalogen compound, containing iron particles comprising iron and iron oxide, wherein the iron particles have a metallic iron content of 15% or more by mass, wherein the metallic iron content is a content of metallic iron in the outermost surface layer of the iron particles to which the ion beam etching has been applied twice under the following etching conditions: degree of vacuum in a chamber: 2.0×10?2 Pa accelerating voltage of an ion gun: 10 kV emission current: 10 mA etching time: 14 seconds. The decomposer need not contain copper and has the ability to satisfactorily decompose an organohalogen compound. A method for producing the decomposer is also provided.

Abstract: A method of tapping a steelmaking furnace comprised of determining a desired level of steel to be attained in a ladle, and calculating the weight of molten steel that will be present when the desired level is attained following a transfer of molten steel from the furnace to the ladle. The furnace is operated such that slag is formed on top of molten steel contained therein. The furnace is moved to a first position to cause transfer of molten steel to the ladle to begin. The transfer of molten steel from the furnace to the ladle is continued, and at the first occurrence of molten steel attaining the desired level in the ladle, molten steel attaining a maximum allowable weight in the ladle, or an excessive amount of slag being present upon the molten steel in the ladle, transfer of molten steel to the ladle is ceased.

Abstract: A method of controlling a melting process in an electric arc furnace for melting a metallic material. By means of the present disclosure it is possible to minimize desired process properties such as the melting time or the total power consumption of the melting process. The method includes the steps of receiving or collecting measured data of at least one process variable, determining the current state of the process, performing an optimization of the melting process, determining a process input based on the result of the optimization, and controlling the melting process by means of the process input. A control system is also presented herein.

Abstract: A method for controlling foamed slag in a stainless melt in an electric arc furnace. Slag level in the electric arc furnace is continuously detected thermographically as a function of time and slag level, and an addition of foaming material is controlled depending on the temperature and temperature gradient.

Abstract: A method of controlling a melting process in an electric arc furnace for melting a metallic material. By means of the present disclosure it is possible to minimize desired process properties such as the melting time or the total power consumption of the melting process. The method includes the steps of receiving or collecting measured data of at least one process variable, determining the current state of the process, performing an optimization of the melting process, determining a process input based on the result of the optimization, and controlling the melting process by means of the process input. A control system is also presented herein.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for improved process control in metal smelting through measurement of off-gas profiles in real time. A tunable laser source is projected across a volume of off-gas and detected to provide a real time profile of gas concentrations. The real time gas concentration profile may be compared with known profiles to identify problems in the smelting process or to identify when the process is complete.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for setting a slag consistency in an electric arc furnace, structure-borne sound measurements are carried out on the electric arc furnace during the melting

Abstract: A semi-liquid metal processing and sensing device comprising a crucible that is at least partially encircled by at least one induction coil. The one or more induction coils can be water cooled. The one or more induction coils can be designed to generate a variable power and/or variable frequency magnetic field which can be modulated to control the cooling of a molten metal charge in the crucible from the liquidus temperature to a selected heat content, resistivity and/or viscosity. The magnetic field can be designed to induce toroidal agitation of the metal charge in the crucible. The semi-liquid condition is sensed and can be actively controlled by the induction power supply via real time or non-real time analysis of electrical feedback signals that are obtained from the induction coil.

Abstract: An electric arc melting facility includes a melting chamber configured to melt a source iron therein by electric arc discharge generated from an electrode, and a source iron feeder configured to continuously feed the source iron to the melting chamber. The facility further includes a state change detector configured to detect a state change of the melting chamber when the electric arc discharge is generated from the electrode, and a controller configured to adjust a feed rate at which the source iron feeder feeds the source iron to the melting chamber, based on a detection result of the state change detectors.

Abstract: A method for controlling foamed slag in a stainless melt in an electric arc furnace. Slag level in the electric arc furnace is continuously detected thermographically as a function of time and slag level, and an addition of foaming material is controlled depending on the temperature and temperature gradient.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining the ore content and for further treatment of the ore, the ore content of the crushed ore being monitored in the method on-line and the information on the ore content being utilized in the further treatment of the ore.

Abstract: A semi-liquid metal processing and sensing device comprising a crucible that is at least partially encircled by at least one induction coil. The one or more induction coils can be water cooled. The one or more induction coils can be designed to generate a variable power and/or variable frequency magnetic field which can be modulated to control the cooling of a molten metal charge in the crucible from the liquidus temperature to a selected heat content, resistivity and/or viscosity. The magnetic field can be designed to induce toroidal agitation of the metal charge in the crucible. The semi-liquid condition is sensed and can be actively controlled by the induction power supply via real time or non-real time analysis of electrical feedback signals that are obtained from the induction coil.

Abstract: A furnace damper control system and method thereof including a furnace having at least one opening through which electromagnetic radiation from within the furnace may be sensed, an exhaust duct capable of receiving an exhaust gas stream emerging from the furnace, and a controllable damper capable of adjusting the pressure in the exhaust duct. A sensor is capable of sensing electromagnetic radiation through one or more of the openings of the furnace and generating a sensor signal corresponding to the electromagnetic radiation, and a processor is capable of processing the sensor signal and generating a monitoring signal responsive to a parameter of the electromagnetic radiation indicative of furnace emissions. A controller is capable of controlling the damper responsive to the monitoring signal indicative of the furnace emissions.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for detecting the presence of slag in a shroud through which molten metal passed from a ladle to a tundish. An induced voltage generated at a receiving coil is compared with a defined voltage range. If the induced voltage has a value outside the defined voltage range, it is indicative of the presence of slag. The voltage range is defined in dependence of the flow of molten metal passing through the shroud. A casting plant is also provided.

Abstract: In a method for determining a dividedness and/or position of a batch material (7) existing essentially in the solid phase in an arc furnace (1) having a furnace vessel (2), acoustic signals (Ne, Ng, Nd) are generated by an arc discharge (6) between an electrode (3a, 3b, 3c) and the batch material (7). The acoustic signals (Ne, Ng, Nd) reflected and/or transmitted through by the batch material (7) are measured by acoustic sensors (5a, 5b, 5c, 5e, 5g, 5h, 5s, 5t), wherein at least one acoustic sensor (5a, 5b, 5c, 5e, 5g, 5h, 5s, 5t) is provided per segment (Sn) of the furnace vessel (2) subdivided into a plurality of segments (Sn), and wherein the dividedness and/or position of the batch material (7) in the arc furnace (1) is determined by evaluating the measured acoustic signals (Ne, Ng, Nd).

Abstract: A method of controlling slag characteristics in an electric arc furnace control is disclosed. The furnace has inputs including oxygen supply and carbon supply. The method of controlling slag characteristics includes introducing a charge to be melted into the furnace, melting at least a portion of the charge to produce a melt, and introducing oxygen and carbon into the melt to enhance formation of a slag having slag conditions including a slag height and a slag coverage. To better control the slag characteristics, the slag is modeled and the inputs are controlled to maximize the energy transferred from the electrode to the slag.

Abstract: A method of controlling slag characteristics in an electric arc furnace control is disclosed. The furnace has inputs including oxygen supply and carbon supply. The method of controlling slag characteristics includes introducing a charge to be melted into the furnace, melting at least a portion of the charge to produce a melt, and introducing oxygen and carbon into the melt to enhance formation of a slag having slag conditions including a slag height and a slag coverage. To better control the slag characteristics, the slag is modeled and the inputs are controlled to maximize the energy transferred from the electrode to the slag.

Abstract: A system for producing significant quantities of noble metals from low-grade ore. A mixture of particulate feed containing small amounts of noble metals, a base metal, and activated carbon are placed in a non-conducting container. The container is surrounded by a coiled transmission line and heated via a combustion chamber. Pairs of electrical pulses having equal amplitudes and opposing directions are applied to each end of the transmission line so that the opposing pulses collide within the transmission line, the collision points traveling in a sweeping motion along the transmission line. Other pairs of pulses are sent in repeated cycles of multi-chord pulse trains, each chord having a specific frequency ranging preferably between 5000 to 7000 cycles per second.

Abstract: A process is provided for the production of titania rich slag from ilmenite. The ilmenite is fed together with carbonaceous reductant, and in the absence of fluxes, to the molten bath of a D.C. arc furnace. The molten bath of the furnace forms the anode and one or more electrodes in the roof of the furnace forms the cathode. A frozen lining is established and maintained between the refractory lining of the furnace and the molten bath and the process includes means to control the thickness of the frozen lining as well as the whole smelting process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pre-treatment apparatus for an analytical metal sample, the apparatus including (1) a treatment chamber having a sample charging port which can be opened and closed and provided at the top of the chamber, a sample discharging port which can be opened and closed and provided at the bottom of the chamber, and a gas inlet and gas outlet, (2) a sample carrying bar joined to a sample holder also used as a sputtering electrode, and provided to pass through at least one side wall of the treatment chamber so as to be substantially horizontally movable and axially rotatable, and (3) a sputtering counter electrode at least having portions arranged opposite to each other in a region not inhibiting the charge and discharge of an analytical metal sample so that the sample holder can be arranged in the counter electrode.

Abstract: A process is provided for the production of titania rich slag from ilmenite. The ilmenite is fed together with carbonaceous reductant, and in the absence of fluxes, to the molten bath of a D.C. arc furnace. The molten bath of the furnace forms the anode and one or more electrodes in the roof of the furnace forms the cathode. A frozen lining is established and maintained between the refractory lining of the furnace and the molten bath and the process includes means to control the thickness of the frozen lining as well as the whole smelting process.

Abstract: A metal alloy, such as steel, is manufactured in an electric arc furnace system equipped with at least one sensor, at least one a controller including a logic program and a variable valve in fluid communication with the furnace and a material source. The nature and quality of the slag formed over a molten metal during manufacture of steel is dynamically controlled by continuously adjusting the addition of one or more material to the arc furnace through the variable valve.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for operating a steelmaking furnace including the steps of charging steelmaking materials into the steelmaking furnace, blowing oxygen into the steelmaking furnace, discontinuing the oxygen blow when the charged steelmaking materials are reduced to a liquid steel product, determining the temperature of the finished liquid steel product, blowing a nitrogen gas coolant into the steelmaking furnace to reduce the temperature of the finished liquid steel product to an aim tapping temperature, discontinuing the nitrogen gas coolant blow when the finished liquid steel product temperature is lowered to the aim tapping temperature, and tapping the finished liquid steel product at the aim tapping temperature for downstream processing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the continuous degassing of molten metals and subsequent casting of the degassed metal, according to which the molten metal is guided into a vacuum for the purpose of degasification and after degasification is transferred into a casting chamber. To make it possible to carry out these operations continuously and to prevent the degassed metal from coming into contact with untreated metal, the invention provides for the molten metal to be transferred from a first chamber via an ascension pipe having an inlet opening located below the level of the metal bath into a vacuum chamber serving as degasification chamber by utilizing only the lift force resulting from the pressure differential between the vacuum chamber and the first chamber and no other means of transport. From the vacuum chamber the molten meal by gravity flows into the downpipe whose outlet opening is below the level of the molten metal bath in the casting chamber and enters the casting chamber.

Abstract: An energy efficient, coal-based method and apparatus that are environmentally friendly which produce under pressure metallized/carbon product and molten metal directly from abundant coal or other carbonaceous material, and low cost fines (or ore concentrate) wherein the metal is devoid of gangue material and possesses the inherent advantage of retaining the heat for subsequent processing. This method and apparatus which are modular and highly integrated significantly reduce capital and operating costs; they also provide the capability selective placement of the reductant for the delivery of high levels of thermal energy input which leads to ease of desulflurization and high productivity. The technology herein disclosed is entirely closed and is applicable to various ores including ferrous and non-ferrous.

Abstract: An aluminum bloom more than 99.95% pure is obtained by segregation of aluminum from an impure parent liquor. Heat supplied to the parent liquor during growth of the bloom is adjusted as a function of the height of the bloom.

Abstract: The state of slag foaming generated in an electric furnace steel manufacture is judged by measuring the NOx amount in exhaust gas. The foaming state is adjusted to completely interrupt the contact of melted steel with air so that low nitrogen of the steel is always achieved or reduction of electric power consumption rate is achieved. Thus, in the manufacture of steel by subjecting iron scrap to dissolving, refining and heating stages successively in an electric arc furnace, the NOx amount in the exhaust gas is measured at the refining and heating stages of the melted steel and then the state of the slag foaming is judged depending upon the measured data.

Abstract: A metal alloy, such as steel, is manufactured in an electric arc furnace system equipped with at least one sensor, at least one a controller comprising a logic program and a variable valve in fluid communication with the furnace and a material source. The nature and quality of the slag formed over a molten metal during the manufacture of steel is dynamically controlled by continuously adjusting the addition of one or more material to the arc furnace through the variable valve.

Abstract: A process is provided for the production of titania rich slag from ilmenite. The ilmenite is fed together with carbonaceous reductant, and in the absence of fluxes, to the molten bath of a DC arc furnace. The molten bath of the furnace forms the anode and one or more electrodes in the roof of the furnace forms the cathode. A frozen lining is established and maintained between the refractory lining of the furnace and the molten bath and the process includes means to control the thickness of the frozen lining as well as the whole smelting process.