Umudike Journal of Engineering and Technology

This paper focused on the mathematical model for optimizing the charge (recycled scrap) and heel level in an iron remelting electric arc furnace. The charge (recycled scrap) and the heel were charge into the furnace in varying proportion with the recycled scrap from 90% - 30% step 5 as against the heel from 10% - 70% step 5. The heat energy equation model required for melting of scrap was developed and used. This energy efficient used in electric arc furnace(EAF) operation require careful monitoring and skillful manipulation of different parameters. A computer programme written in basic programming language to optimize the charge/heel level in the electric arc furnace has also been developed, using the recycled scrap as charged material. Time and cost of electrical energy consumption were considered as the decision variables. The results for optimizing the recycled scrap and heel level charge in right proportion showed that charged scrap and heel level of 60% - 40% was the optimum ratio for economical productivity in terms of the tap to tap time, furnace eroding energy consumption and electrode consumption.