Tzonio P. Tzonev
University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, PLASMALAB, 1156 Sofia, 8 Kl. Ohridsky Blvd., Bulgaria
Mihail K. Mihovsky
PLASMALAB - Plasma Metallurgy Research Laboratory, University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy - Sofia, 8 Kliment Ohridsky Blvd., 1156, Sofia, Bulgaria
Biserka I. Lucheva
University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, PLASMALAB, 1156 Sofia, 8 Kl. Ohridsky Blvd., Bulgaria
Kr.P. Blagoeva
University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, PLASMALAB, 1156 Sofia, 8 Kl. Ohridsky Blvd., Bulgaria
2.5-tons plasma-induction furnace (PLASMALAB construction) with 600 kVA DC transferred arc plasma torch has been in operation at the plant Kremikovtsi Ltd.
The replacing of DC (W-cathode) plasma torch in pilot PLASMALAB 60-kg plasma-induction furnace with hollow graphite electrode reduces the running cost for copper and copper alloys production. This system has turned out to be simple, very reliable and easy to maintain. On the other hand the productivity and the yield are practically the same. As a result of pilot experiments the DC transferred arc plasma torch in 2.5-tons plasma induction furnace was replaced with 100 mm graphite electrode with 16 mm hole for plasma gas blowing.
The arc V-A characteristics in operation with hollow graphite electrode are determined.
The technological and economical parameters of these two systems are compared.