Parametric study of heat transfer in an electric arc furnace and cooling system

Highlights: • A CFD-based model for analysis of an electrical arc furnace was developed. • The effects of geometrical parameters, including furnace diameter and roof slope, were assessed. • Temperature and velocity distribution for fluid flow on the roof panel piping system were calculated. • The slag layer role in heat transfer and cooling performance was evaluated. - Abstract: The present study deals with a numerical investigation of an electric arc furnace (EAF). A model based on radiative heat transfer has been generated to estimate the temperature distribution inside the furnace. The obtained results from this model provide realistic and reasonable predictions of the temperature, comparing with the results of the experimental measurements of wall temperature. Based on calculated temperatures fields, full numerical analysis of the cooling panel was performed. The numerical results from the cooling system simulation were also compared with experimental measurements of outlet water temperature from experimental apparatus and showed good accuracy. In addition, a parametric study was carried out to determine the influence of geometrical parameters and slag layer formation inside the furnace on temperature distribution within the furnace. It was concluded that the diameter of the furnace is the main geometrical parameter affecting temperature distribution in a furnace and the roof inclination angle appeared to be of secondary importance. The effects of slag layer thickness on the walls were also numerically investigated and it was observed that the formation of slag layer on the furnace walls has a significant impact on the safe operation of the furnace and improved furnace efficiency.