SAF Spare Part: High-Conductivity Copper Water-Cooled Heat Shield
The water-cooled heat shield is an important protective component of the electrode system in submerged arc furnaces (SAF). It forms a cylindrical barrier around the electrode, isolating high-temperature thermal radiation and dust inside the furnace, protecting the electrode holding system (copper shoes, pressure rings, etc.) from burning. It is one of the key spare parts ensuring continuous and stable operation of SAF.
1. Definition
The water-cooled heat shield is a cylindrical device that protects the electrode lower holding system of SAF. It consists of multiple identical sector-shaped units arranged around the electrode to form a cylinder, with closed circulating cooling water channels inside
2. Main Functions
- Thermal protection: Blocks high-temperature radiation of 1000-1400℃ from the charge surface to copper shoes and pressure rings, preventing direct flame burning
- Dust isolation: Prevents dust generated during production from entering the conductive area, ensuring normal operation between copper shoes and electrodes
- Maintenance convenience: Sector unit design allows removal of a single unit for maintenance when copper shoes or pressure rings are damaged
3. Working Environment
Located in the high-temperature zone of the furnace mouth, withstands 1000-1400℃ high-temperature radiation, strong electromagnetic fields, and corrosive flue gas. It is prone to severe deformation or cracking and water leakage during operation, making it one of the most severely stressed components in SAF.
4. Typical Specifications
| Parameter |
Specification Range |
| SAF Capacity |
35000 - 81000 kVA |
| Number of Units |
6 - 12, depends on
electrode diameter |
| Heat Shield Diameter |
Φ800 - 2500 mm |
| Water Channel Quantity |
depends on design |
| Working Pressure |
0.3 - 0.6 MPa |
| Cooling Water Flow |
0.3 - 0.6 L/s per channel |
| Inlet Water Temperature |
≤35 ℃ |
| Outlet Water Temperature |
<60 - 65 ℃ |
5. Technical Advantages of Copper Heat Shield
| Feature |
English Description |
| High thermal conductivity |
Pure copper thermal conductivity is about 390W/(m·K), more than 25 times that of stainless steel, effectively reducing its own temperature |
| Magnetically insulated |
Copper is non-magnetic, avoiding eddy current heating in strong electromagnetic field environments |
| Better corrosion resistance |
Copper material has better corrosion resistance to high-temperature flue gas than steel |
| High recycling value |
Scrap heat shields have high recycling value, enabling material reuse and trade-in programs, significantly reducing replacement costs |
6. Selection Recommendations for Water-Cooled Heat Shield
6.1 Selection by SAF Capacity
6.2 Selection by Material
6.3 Selection by Structure