2025 Haraldsson Industrial Electric Arc Modeling

Electric arcs play a critical role in the pyrometallurgical production of silicon within submerged arc furnaces, serving as a significant heat source. This research focuses on modeling industrial electric arcs by investigating various plasma gas compositions and their effects on efficiency. The study employs two distinct magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) models to simulate alternating current arcs, with an emphasis on their thermal and physical properties, derived both from literature and specific calculations. By analyzing three data sets relevant to argon plasma and comparing the results with empirical data from laboratory experiments, the research elucidates the influence of different plasma compositions on arc behavior. Additionally, the work explores different operational conditions within the furnace by adjusting the ratios of silicon monoxide (SiO) to carbon monoxide (CO) gases to further understand the underlying physical phenomena. The findings provide insights into how variations in gas composition can affect heat generation and arc dynamics, highlighting the importance of accurate numerical simulations in optimizing industrial processes for enhanced silicon production efficiency.