Assessing The Effect A Refractory Insulation Lining has on EAF Energy Consumption

by Mario Taddeo

Publisher - Pyrotek Australia Pty Ltd., Australia

Category - General Novel

Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF) are the single highest consumer of electricity within a mini mill steel plant. Their magnesia based refractory linings offer optimum performance at the expense of increased heat loss. The heat loss can be addressed by incorporating an insulating refractory board, without compromising vessel capacity. However it is important to select an insulating material that has the necessary thermal structural integrity to provide optimum performance an lining security in this environment. This paper determined the effect of incorporating Structural Insulation board (Isomag®70) in the refractory lining of the Electric Arc Furnace at an Australian Mini Steel Mill. This material was selected since it has excellent mechanical properties at elevated temperatures. The outcomes of the comparative testing from the use of insulation are as follows: • Average 70C shell temperature reduction; • Average energy consumption reduced by 1.4%; • Less energy losses for higher Tapping Temperatures and Tap to Tap Times • Theoretical return on investment (ROI) calculation with the use of insulation; • Theoretical calculation in green house gas emission reduction;

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