ELECTRIC ARC FURNACE

Production of Electric arc:

•The electric supply given to two electrodes is increased and are
separated in air from each other.
•The air gets ionized at high voltage gradient and becomes a
good conductor of electricity.
• Current jumps through the air gap in the form of arc.
• Once the arc is produced, small voltage is sufficient to maintain
it.
• Without high voltage also Arc can be established by short
circuit the two electrodes and then withdrawing them apart.
• The temperature of the Arc developed will be around 35000C.
There are two types of electric Arc Furnaces

i. Direct Arc furnace

ii. Indirect Arc furnace.

 DIRECT ARC FURNACE
Two electrode arc furnace

• When A.C. supply given to two electrodes.

• Arc is established and current passes through the charges.
• Heat is developed due to radiation from Arc.
• The striving action is inherent due to electromagnetic force setup
by the current.
• Hence heating of charge is uniform.
• 3Φ supply is used for large capacity furnace.
 Single Electrode Arc furnace

• One electrode is used.

• 1Φ supply given between electrode and bottom of furnace.
• Arc is developed in between electrode & charge.
• It is called single-phase direct Arc furnace or baby Arc
furnace.’
• It will be used in R & D or pilot production plants.
INDIRECT ARC FURNACE
• The Arc exists between two electrodes.
• Heat developed in the charge is by the radiation.
• The temperature of the charge is lower than direct Arc
furnace.
• Current does not flow through charge. Hence no
inherent stirring action.
• So, the furnace must be rocked vibrating or tilting by
mechanically.
• It is called as a rocking Arc furnace also.
• The furnace made of cylindered or spherical shape.
• Rocking action is operated by an Electric motor.

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 Summary

We have discussed
• different types of electrical arc furnaces

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 QUIZ

1.Most common application of Direct arc furnace is

a. To produce steel
b. Melting of non-ferrous metals

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 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1) Explain the construction and working of Indirect Arc Furnace

with a sketch ?

2) Explain the construction and operation of Direct Arc Furnace

with a net sketch ?