Effect of Argon Flow Rate on Power Consumption of a 120‐t Ladle Furnace

Abstract

To improve the phenomenon of serious power consumption of a ladle furnace, the impact of argon flow rate on power consumption in the refining process is investigated through theoretical calculations based on the principle of alternating current measurement using Rogowski coil and integrator circuit. The study divides the power supply phase into four distinct flow rate regions in a single furnace of DH36 steel, a low‐alloy, high‐strength ship plate steel commonly used in shipbuilding and offshore platforms. The analysis of active power, current, and voltage trends, along with average power consumption per second at each flow rate region, reveals a potential for efficient reduction in power consumption. Additionally, experiments with different argon flow rates (300, 400, and 500 NL min−1) during the power supply stages of multifurnace argon tests of AB/A steel show improvements in desulfurization rate, heating rate, processing time, and power consumption per ton of steel heated by 1 °C and power consumption per ton of steel per second.