As a core high-current conduction component in the main circuit of electric arc furnaces (EAF), the short network undertakes the critical task of transmitting electrical energy from the secondary side of the transformer to the electrodes. Its performance directly impacts the smelting efficiency, energy consumption, and operational stability of the EAF. Below is a detailed product introduction:
- Definition: The short network refers to the general term for secondary conductors from the low-voltage outlet terminal of the EAF transformer to the end of the graphite electrode. In practical applications, it often specifically refers to the line section from the compensator to the water-cooled cable, divided into busbar-type and copper tube-type. Among them, the water-cooled copper tube type has become the mainstream development direction due to its copper material saving and excellent cooling effect.
- Key Functions: It not only serves as an electrical energy transmission channel but also controls the symmetrical distribution of electric arcs, improving arc stability and energy density to concentrate thermal effects. Meanwhile, it can withstand the short-term extreme thermal load of electrodes, ensuring the EAF stably generates high temperatures for scrap melting and other operations. Additionally, a reasonable short network design can balance the three-phase reactance and reduce energy consumption.
The parameters of short networks for EAFs of different capacities vary significantly. Below are reference values for some mainstream specifications:
- High-Current Adaptability: Capable of carrying ultra-large currents of tens of thousands of amperes. With the water cooling system, the current density is several times higher than that of traditional structures, while the self-weight is significantly reduced, adapting to the high-intensity smelting power supply requirements of EAFs.
- Low-Loss Design: The copper tube and copper shoe are connected in series to form a closed-loop cooling water circuit, quickly dissipating heat from the conductor and reducing electrical energy loss caused by high temperatures. Some flat reactor-type short networks reduce mutual inductance electromotive force and conductor resistance by optimizing electrode arrangement, further saving electrical energy.
- Harsh Environment Resistance: Components are made of high-temperature and corrosion-resistant materials, enabling stable operation in the high-temperature and high-conductive dust environment during EAF smelting. The structural design also considers mechanical strength to resist vibration and impact during smelting.
- Strong Compatibility: Can be customized with corresponding structures and parameters according to different equipment types such as EAFs and submerged arc furnaces, as well as different smelting scenarios such as nickel-iron furnaces and industrial silicon furnaces, with strong adaptability.
Widely used in metallurgy and related industrial fields, such as scrap secondary refining in EAF steelmaking, melt flow control in the casting industry to ensure casting quality, and various metal smelting operations in metal processing. It is also suitable for submerged arc furnaces, calcium carbide furnaces, yellow phosphorus furnaces and other equipment, used in the smelting production of nickel-iron, ferrosilicon, calcium carbide and other products.