Establish relationship between productivity and raw material properties to control of a Ferrosilicon furnace

This project will investigate the efficiency of the ferrosilicon smelting process by determining electrical resistance of the raw materials. Ferrosilicon is produced in a submerged-arc furnace, and requires large amounts of electrical energy. The process requires quartz, iron, and carbon as the raw materials. Each of the three input materials have different electrical properties that determine the electrical resistance and therefore efficiency of the furnace. The electrical resistivity of the furnace charge must be controlled to avoid overheating the furnace, generating slag, and increasing the need for maintenance. This project aims to identify the different material properties of each input type and the electrical resistance experienced by the furnace charge as a result of the input materials. A model will be made to relate the effect of the material properties to the electrical resistance of the materials, and then integrated into the operator’s diagnostic tool. An analysis of current on-line feed property measurement technologies will be prepared. Recommendations for integration within the ferrosilicon smelter’s process flowsheet will be made based on the suitability of the technology to the smelter’s specific needs.

Faculty Supervisor:

Mainul Hasan;Alexandros Charitos

Student:

Noelle Bergeron

Partner:

Elkem Metal Canada Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

McGill University