High Temperature Molten Splash Protection for Electric Arc Furnace Power Cables

The Problem

When a water cooled power cable is used in severe environments such as powering an EAF (Electric Arc Furnace) in a steel mill there is an enormous potential for heat, flames, ash or molten splash to severely damage the electrical cables (or series of cables) thus crippling the melting operation. This translates into unscheduled maintenance and lost production time. In some instances these costs have been estimated as high as $100,000 / hr depending on the size of the operation and production schedules.

The water-cooled furnace power cables provide a flexible source of power to permit movement of the electrode arms up and down and to allow swinging the electrode arms and roof back and forth when charging the furnace. The power cables consist of copper wire strands forming a round spiral construction which are attached to copper terminals at either end of the cable. A low temperature rubber jacket around the outside of the cable allows cooling water to flow through the cable assembly. The rubber hose is attached at either end of the cable using stainless steel clamps, vulcanized bumpers or an anti-chaffing type hose.

The danger is that molten metal splash caused by "wet charges", or flame impingement, extreme heat, etc. will damage an unprotected power cable. This can cause a chain reaction of catastrophic events including loss in water cooling resulting in overheating or shorting of the electrical power cables and halting the melting process.

Given the large diameter of the rubber hoses surrounding the power cables and proximity to the EAF, there is a significant landing area for sparks, molten metal splash, etc. In many applications the cables are left completely unprotected and exposed to severe high temperature environments. In some cases the rubber cooling water hose is wrapped with inexpensive fiberglass tape or sleeve that offer minimal protection against possible hazards.

The Solution

With a minimal capital investment, Worbo Inc.'s severe duty protective molten splash away sleeve may be installed to wrap around new or existing water cooled power cables to resist heat, flame, ash and large intermittent exposure to molten metal splash. Worbo Inc's development of a highly flexible, molten splash resistant, easily installed and completely non-conductive sleeving solution is a perfect fit for this application.

The Technology

Manufactured and designed with 100% Non-Conductive materials specifically for safe non-arcing use in close proximity to AC or DC EAF's.

The hydrophobic, low surface energy, non-stick "Splash Away" properties of the thick silicone coating sheds large random but potentially hazardous amounts of 3000˚F molten metal splash to help maintain the integrity of the water cooled power cable until the next scheduled maintenance period.

Equipped with a hook and loop self gripping closure, EAF Cable Molten Splash away sleeve is easily field installed (or removed for maintenance) without cable disconnection.

High Shear and Peel Hook and loop self gripping closure is designed specifically for this application to ensure closure doesn't separate during severe "jumping", "bouncing" and "bumping" of cables during furnace arc and "cold starts".

Combination of Heavy duty "Splash Away" silicone shield coating on thick high temperature fiberglass substrate helps insulate and defend against intermittent bouts of molten metal splash, flame impingement, burning airborne particles and high temperatures.

The Economic Benefits

Depending on the application the cost to procure and install a high temperature jacketing system could be as low as $30/ft. Relative to the enormous costs associated with unscheduled maintenance and lost production time this represent an insignificant capital investment that could pay for itself several times over through the prevention of a single unscheduled maintenance event.

The Conclusion

Protecting electric arc furnace power cables exposed to sever high temperature environments with a high temperature jacketing system will significantly reduce unscheduled maintenance and lost production time.

Product Development Engineer Thermal Protection Solutions Group Worbo Inc. An Innovative Company North America 877-743-4004 International 705-743-4000 Facsimile 705-743-3226 E-Mail rworral@worbo.com Website www.worbo.com

Outdoor Wood Burning Furnaces: Your Buying Options

If you are a homeowner, it is likely that you are aware of the cost of heating your home. Unfortunately, this cost is often high. If you are interested in heating your home, but for an affordable price you are encouraged to examine outdoor wood burning furnaces.

As with most other products, outdoor wood burning furnaces are available for purchase in a number of different makes and models. This choice is often a difficult one to make. Many outdoor wood burning furnaces provide enough heat and hot water for a large home or even multiple buildings, but not all will. To determine which outdoor wood burning furnace you should purchase, you are encouraged to examine your wants and needs. What you want to get out of a wood furnace is the best way to find and purchase a furnace that will best fit your needs.

While, you will have a number of different furnace models to choose from, you will also have a number of buying options. A large number of individuals and companies make and sell outdoor wood burning furnaces. In fact, there are so many buying options that many individuals tend to become overwhelmed. When shopping for an outdoor wood furnace, you are encouraged to make a well informed decision. It may only appear as if you are purchasing a wood furnace, but your purchase will have a lasting effect on the value of your home and the cost you pay to heat your home.

When it comes to outdoor wood burning furnaces, there are many individuals who are concerned with the cost. The cost of a wood furnace will all depend on where you are buying the furnace from. That is why it is important to fully research and examine a number of different individuals and companies. The best way for you to do this is to perform a standard internet search, if you aren’t already familiar with a dependable dealer.

You will find that outdoor wood burning furnaces can be purchased on and offline. Offline stores are often referred to as storefront retail locations. Each may provide you with what you are looking with, but many customers prefer shopping online. Online shopping is popular because it tends to offer a larger product selection. Most retail stores are limited on the number of products that they carry, including outdoor wood burning furnaces. This problem does not seem to exist online.

If you are searching for an outdoor wood furnace based on price, you are not alone. Many individuals wish to save money, in the long run, with an outdoor wood furnace. The only problem is that many are unable to afford the upfront costs of purchasing an outdoor furnace. For the best deals on outdoor wood burning furnaces, you are encouraged to compare before you buy. Taking the time to compare prices and find the best deal will often result in you saving money, both in the present and in future.

The amount of money you can save with a wood burning furnace will vary. Outdoor wood burning furnaces will save most homeowners a fairly large amount of money. The money you will save depends on a number of different factors. For a detailed estimate, you are encouraged to speak to a well-known and trusted outdoor wood burning furnace dealer, such as Hawken Energy.

Brad King is a writer for Hawken Energy where you can find a great deal on outdoor wood burning furnaces

What Can a Coal Furnace Heat?

It almost seems as if each day the price of just about everything in the world increases.

One those price increases includes the cost of home heating. There are many families who continue to live with the cost of high heating; however, others refuse to. Refusing to pay a large amount of money to heat your home does not mean that you have to go without heat, but it does mean that you will have to find alternative heating methods.

The use of a coal furnace is a popular heating alternative that is used by a large number of homeowners. A coal furnace is a low-cost and safe way to provide heat to a home. What many individuals do not realize is that a home is not the only thing that can be heated by a coal furnace.

Owning and operating a business can be costly even for the most profitable businesses.

This is why many business owners try to cut costs wherever and whenever they can. The latest increases in heating costs have left many business owners looking for alternative heating methods for their business. A coal furnace can heat a business in the same way that it will heat a home. Since the unit is placed outside, a retail store or an office with a coal furnace will not experience any smells or fumes.

Garages are either attached or not attached to a home. Many times when a home is heated so is the attached garage. Home owners with a separate garage may be looking for a cheap way to heat it. A garage or a shed are one of the many buildings that can use a coal furnace for heating.

It is also possible for a coal furnace to heat a farm. Due to the steady decrease in revenues and the increase in heating prices there are many farmers who are loosing valuable money. Purchasing a coal furnace is a great way to help relieve the costs of heating a barn, no matter what the size of it.

In addition to just heating a building, a coal furnace will provide hot water. This means that a business owner, garage owner, or a farmer can still complete their daily activities with hot water. It is also important to note that a coal furnace can provide heat for swimming pools and hot tubs. There are many coal furnace models that are designed to provide heat and hot water to multiple buildings and sources.

Once a coal furnace has been purchased and installed, the coal furnace will soon begin to pay for itself. Thanks to this low-cost heating method many families are able to afford more necessities and many business owners and farmers will still be able to operate their business without having to pay outrageous operating costs. Whether you are a homeowner, a business owner, or a farmer you should least consider further examining the benefits of a coal furnace.

Get a great deal on a coal furnace