Numerical Simulation of the Interaction Between Arc Plasma and Molten Slag in Electric Arc Furnace for High-Titania Slag Smelting

The heat of arc plasma is the primary energy source of the electric arc furnace (EAF) for high-titania slag smelting. A unified model of fluid flow, heat transfer, and arc-slag interaction is developed by taking magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations into account. The model is first validated by comparing the calculated results with the previous experimental data. The dynamic variations of the concavity of the molten pool surface are tracked by using the volume of fluid (VOF) model to investigate the interaction between the arc and the molten pool. Moreover, the model is applied to investigate the influence of slag viscosity and arc length on the flow behavior of the interface and the arc plasma characteristics. Based on the simulation results, the low viscosity and short arc length result in deeper and narrower concavity of the interface, which may lead to the splashing of molten slag and influence the stability of the arc. For cost savings and efficiency improvement, the position of electrodes and the temperature distribution in the EAF ought to be monitored and controlled to maintain proper arc length and viscosity during the production process.