Abstract

A steady-state finite-difference heat transfer mathematical model was derived to determine the temperature distribution in the metal layer and the hearth of a cylindrical electrical-resistance smelter. The temperature distribution is required for the redesign of the refractory materials and their positions in the hearth to insure that the metal layer is kept molten at normal smelting temperatures and that mechanical and structural integrity of the hearth is maintained. An extensive literature search revealed that no previously defined model of this type existed and that consideration of a three-dimensional model was beyond the scope of this work. The literature search also verified that the metal layer and the hearth could be modeled independently of the slag layer. The finite-difference heat transfer model was then developed by defining nine different types of nodes in the model and deriving steady-state heat transfer equations for each type of node. An algorithm was then developed for the solution of the non linear dependent set of simultaneous equations. Beyond the scope of this work, ninety percent of a Fortran 11 77 computer program was written and compiled employing the algorithm. It is recommended that the computer program be finished, debugged, and that various combinations of refractory material types and positions be tried to determine the optimum design of the refractory hearth. Proper design of the hearth has the potential to improve the quality of the metal poured from the smelter, reduce operating costs, and increase the capacity of the smelter

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Electrometallurgy--Equipment and supplies; Smelting furnaces--Heating and ventilation--Mathematical models; Metallurgical furnaces--Heating and ventilation--Mathematical models; Heat--Transmission--Computer programs

Publication Date

1987

Document Type

Thesis

Department, Program, or Center

Mechanical Engineering (KGCOE)

Advisor

Nye, Alan

Advisor/Committee Member

Names Illegible

Comments

Note: imported from RIT’s Digital Media Library running on DSpace to RIT Scholar Works. Physical copy available through RIT's The Wallace Library at: TN687.C37 1987

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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