Modeling of scrap melting in the heel of an EAF

The operational problem of late-stage melting of scrap in an electric arc furnace is addressed. A phase field-type model is formulated to examine the effect of scrap packing density, size, preheat and stirring conditions on scrap melting time in the liquid pool. Heat transfer modeling examines the problem of stable thermal stratification of furnaces heated from the top and its detrimental effect on scrap melting efficiency. The beneficial effects of stirring from bottom plugs are demonstrated, and the implications are discussed.