An Estimation of Scrap Melting Rates by an Inverted Chvorinov Method

Chvorinov’s rule is a well-known relationship which relates the solidificationSolidification time of a simple shape to the ratio of the volume to surfaceSurface area. In this study, we propose a similar relationship for the meltingMelting rate of scrap charged into a molten pool (as in a sidewell furnaceFurnace). Experimental meltingMelting trials are used to establish heat transferHeat transfer conditions at the scrap surfaceSurface. These parameters are then used to build a numerical model of the meltingMelting process and analyze the impact of size and shape on meltingMelting times. From the combined experimental and numerical results, an expression is proposed which relates the shape of input material to its meltingMelting time. The new melt rate expression is used to predict the furnaceFurnace performance of different scrap form factors.