Automatic Tap Hole Filling for Electric Arc Furnaces

The automatic tap hole filling system for electric arc furnaces (EAF) is designed to address key challenges in the steel industry, such as operator safety and process efficiency. After each tapping, the opened tap hole of an EAF must be refilled with sand to protect the tapping slider from liquid steel contact before starting the next heat. Conventionally, this operation is performed manually, posing safety risks and increasing process time. Primetals Technologies has developed an automatic refilling system to improve operator safety and reduce process times by approximately 40%.

After steel tapping with an electric arc furnace, refilling the open tap hole with special sand is essential before starting the next heat. A proven remote-controlled automatic solution is offered by Primetals Technologies, compatible with any type of electric arc furnace, including EAF Quantum, EAF Ultimate, and standard furnaces with eccentric bottom taphole (EBT) or off-center bottom taphole (OBT). This system is designed to enhance operator safety, save process time, and reduce sand material usage.

The automatic system features a sand storage unit and a manipulator equipped with an advanced camera system, enabling operators to oversee the sand filling process from the control room. The filling manipulator is strategically installed on top of the balcony panel, ensuring optimal positioning for efficient operation. This automatic sand filling package reduces sand filling process times by approximately 30-50%, significantly decreasing power-off time and increasing personal safety by eliminating the need for operator interaction on the floor. This package is a crucial component of the autonomous steelmaking and safety philosophy from Primetals Technologies, offering a return on investment in less than one year due to savings in energy, material, and personnel costs.

Benefits and Features of the Automatic Tap Hole Filling

• Integrated camera for precise filling control
• Reduced power-off time
• Eliminates the need for operators in the tapping area
• Fast refilling of tap hole
• Safe method of tap hole filling
• Cost-efficient sand logistics