Method of estimating specific power consumption and electrode wear after correction of electric modes in electric arc furnaces

The paper describes an improved method for estimating the technical effect after correction of electric modes in electric arc furnaces and ladle furnaces. The main indicators of efficiency for these types of equipment are specific power consumption and electrode wear. The study shows that after correction of electric modes in electric arc furnaces and ladle furnaces through parameterization of electric mode control system (or implementation of new control system), estimation of these parameters may be inaccurate. This is caused by the inapplicability of direct comparison of specific power consumption and electrode wear over separate time periods, due to the impact of different technological factors. In contrast with existing methodology, the improved method takes into account the impact of technological factors with unequal values over separate time samples. The new method is based on statistical and correlation analysis of electrical and technological characteristics for pre-warranty and post-warranty periods. The most unfavourable period for achieving the technical effect is determined on the basis of average values analysis. Further estimation of the technical effect is provided in relation to the most unfavourable conditions. The proposed method may be applied for a more precise assessment of the efficiency of electric arc furnaces and ladle furnaces after adaptation of parameters in electric mode control system or after the replacement of a control system.