One Bucket Charging Fastarctm in Jacksonville

by Damiano Patrizio, Massimo Orsini

Publisher - Danieli Centro Met - Italy

Category - General Novel

This paper describes the main features of the AC Fastarc™ EAF supplied by Danieli to the Gerdau Ameristeel plant in Jacksonville (Florida - U.S.A.). The new state-of-the-art UHP Fastarc™ EAF has a rated capacity of 95 sht (≈ 86 t) and is capable to handle a single bucket practice, with 100% scrap charging practice. Thanks to the extended utilization of chemical energy, by means of DANARC” injection system with Modules technology, and proper sizing of EAF transformer (90 + 12% MVA) the furnace has achieved very fast scrap melting, with promising consumptions figures. The EAF has already achieved Pon time in the range of 35 min, with maximum productivity up to 115 t/h: this results has been achieved thanks to proper oxygen carbon and lime injection, which has allowed to keep good foaming slag condition during all process and lead to fast scarp melting and liquid steel heating up. Moreover the promising performance has been confirmed by the fumes analysis, which has demonstrated the high post-combustion degree inside the EAF. The homogeneous thermal condition of the liquid bath has been clearly proven by limited steel temperature drops between EAF and caster arrival, in spite of process line without ladle furnace upstream the caster. This paper shows the very interesting results in terms of thermal efficiency and consumptions, based on the data collected in the last months of EAF operation, and the innovative design applied in process, mechanical and electrical parts of the EAF.

Please login to borrow the book.