Method and apparatus for controlling electroslag remelting
AssigneeSandia Corporation
InventorsMichael C. Maguire, Frank J. Zanner, Brian K. Damkroger, Mark E. Miszkiel, Eugene A. Aronson
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Abstract
Method and apparatus for controlling electrode immersion depth in an electroslag remelting furnace. The phase difference of the alternating current circuit established in the furnace is calculated in real time and employed to more accurately control immersion depth than possible with voltage-swing systems.
Claims20
A method for controlling electrode immersion depth in a slag pool of an electrode melting furnace, the method comprising the steps of:
- a) immersing the electrode in the slag pool;
- b) passing a current through the electrode and the slag pool;
- c) measuring at time intervals values of voltage and current to obtain power spectrum data for the current;
- d) using a control computer means to obtain a measure of phase difference based from imaginary and real components of said power spectrum data;
- and
- e) adjusting the electrode immersion depth in the slag pool according to the measured phase difference.
An apparatus for controlling immersion depth of an electrode in a slag pool of an electrode melting furnace, the apparatus comprising:
- means for measuring at time intervals values of voltage and current to obtain power spectrum data of an electrical circuit through the electrode and the slag pool;
- control computer means for obtaining a measure of phase difference based from imaginary and real components of spectrum data;
- and
- means for adjusting the electrode immersion depth in the slag pool according to the measure of phase difference.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.