Steelmaking Electric Furnace: Introduction to the Advantages of the Water-Cooled Furnace Cover

Steelmaking Electric Furnace: Introduction to the Advantages of the Water-Cooled Furnace Cover

Conventional furnace covers for steelmaking electric furnaces are typically constructed from refractory brick masonry. This design often suffers from multiple brick cracks, poor structural integrity, high energy consumption, short service life, and lengthy maintenance periods.

To address these limitations, a tube-type water-cooled furnace cover has been developed. This innovative design offers low energy consumption, extended service life, and ease of replacement and maintenance.

Structural Design

The water-cooled furnace cover consists of a main frame, water-cooling blocks, and a removable inner cover. The water-cooling blocks are assembled from closely spaced steel tubes—including straight sections, 180° elbows, and 90° elbows—welded into continuous water channels. These blocks are bolted onto hangers attached to the furnace cover frame.

The inner cover is similarly fabricated from welded tubular elements. The main frame is constructed by welding an outer ring, an inner ring, water inlet pipes, a main return header, and connecting return pipes. Both ends of each water pipe are welded to the outer and inner rings. Hangers for supporting the water-cooling blocks are welded onto the pipes. The outer ring incorporates lifting lugs and a main water inlet flange, while positioning pins on the inner ring secure the inner cover.

Performance Advantages

By circulating cooling water through the tubular network, the cover is effectively cooled during operation, significantly reducing heat loss. Under normal operating conditions, the water-cooled cover can withstand over 1,500 heats—more than seven times the service life of a traditional refractory brick cover, which typically lasts about 200 heats.

Furthermore, the modular split structure allows for easy replacement of individual components, simplifies maintenance, and facilitates transportation.

In summary, the water-cooled furnace cover provides a durable, energy-efficient, and maintainable alternative to conventional refractory designs, enhancing the operational reliability and cost-effectiveness of electric arc furnace steelmaking.

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