Method and apparatus for controlling arcing in a DC arc furnace
OwnerJan Abraham Ferreira, Anthony Wayne Wewegeinventors
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Abstract
In the operation of a dc arc furnace components of the furnace are monitored to detect unwanted arcs. A first low impedance path is continuously established between the components. When an arc is detected a second conductive path of a predetermined impedance is established between the components, in parallel to the first low impedance path, to extinguish the arc. After the arc has been extinguished the second path is open circuited to restore the furnace to normal operation.
Claims18
A method of controlling and limiting the incidence of arcing in a DC arc furnace which includes the steps of establishing a first path with a low impedance between at least two components of the furnace, monitoring the components to detect an unwanted arc between the components and, when an arc is detected, establishing a second path with a predetermined impedance between the components, in parallel to the arc, to extinguish the arc.
Apparatus for controlling and limiting an incidence of arcing in a DC arc furnace which includes means for establishing a first path with a low impedance between at least two components of the furnace, means to detect the existence of an unwanted arc between the components, and means responsive to the detecting means for establishing second path with a predetermined impedance between the components, when an arc is detected, to extinguish the arc.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.