A Novel Electrode Model for Søderberg Electrodes

Søderberg electrodesSøderberg electrodes, used commonly in submerged arc furnaces for production of ferroalloys and non-ferrous metals, are used to supply AC current into the furnace. These electrodes consists of paste (a mixture of calcined anthracite/petroleum coke and coal tar pitch) that eventually gets baked—a temperature-driven process. With increase in the electrode size and current supplied, safe operation of the electrode requires models that can predict the conditions experienced during operation. In this work, a novel axisymmetric transient Søderberg electrodeSøderberg electrodes model is presented. The model is used to simulate an electrode undergoing various slipping sequences, variations in electrode current, casing/briquette addition, and other operational scenarios, such as shut down operation. The model is observed to run much faster than real time, thus enabling its potential use in hybrid digital twin type of applications in industries.