The New Channel Loop for the Improvement of Operation Characteristics in Single Loop Channel Induction Furnace

Channel induction furnace (CIF) and channel type induction heating tundish (IHT) are widely utilized to melting, refining, maintenance, overheating and continuous casting of metals. But due to failures of inductor and other causes, high overheating temperature occurred premature erosion of refractory, so it has short-operating life. This paper proposes a new type channel of single loop CIF for steel melting, and determined optimum design parameters of channel loop using Taguchi method and simulation of the commercial software COMSOL Multiphysics to extend the operating life of CIF. The results of simulation and field test data demonstrate full possibilities of intermittent operation and life extension of channel loop over 140 cycles, so the proposed new structure of channel loop can be satisfactorily applied for steel melting and superheating using channel type induction heating technology.