An AC ladle metallurgy furnace is equipped with three 16-inch-diameter graphite electrodes with a maximum heating rate of 10°F/minute. The furnace matches the heat size and annual capacity of the DC electric arc melting furnace to maximize melt shop productivity through composition control, temperature adjustment (heating and, if required, cooling), desulfurization and steel cleanliness enhancement. It can also serve as a buffer between the melting and casting operations.
Ladle stirring is accomplished with porous plugs (installed in the bottom of the ladles) as well as a segmented top lance. The system has multiple capabilities for injection, including lance, roof chute, wire feeders and manual additions. There are 10 material storage bins complete with weigh hoppers, vibratory feeders, conveyors and surge hoppers for trimming purposes. After treatment at the LMF, the heat is transferred by crane to the vacuum degasser or directly to the continuous caster. A chemical laboratory supports the electric arc melting furnace, the ladle metallurgy furnace and the vacuum degasser.
Foundations have been provided for a duplicate twin-station LMF to be installed as part of the mill’s expansion.
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