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Modelling Productivity Using the Structural Equations Method – A Case Study of Electrical Arc Furnance (EAF)

Caterine Donoso, Édison Argüello M., Kléber Chiluisa, Jhonny Granada, Marco Singaña
Departamento de Energía y Mecánica, Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE, Sangolquí, Ecuador

Abstract— The production process for steel manufacturing is sometimes very complex, due to the necessarily synchronized interaction of all the equipment that makes it up and the multiple variables involved. The aim of this work is to develop a model of the steel melting process in an electric arc furnace (EAF), in order to evaluate the variables that influence productivity. This model consolidates the interaction of operational parameters, metallurgical variables, restrictions regarding the installed capacity of the equipment and operational availability. By means of the structural equations modeling methodology (SEM) the critical variables that have a direct relation with productivity were determined, these variables are the metallic load and the steel casting temperature. Based on the results obtained, the mathematical model that defines the process was determined, which was later compared with the pertinent industrial data, presenting satisfactory results.

Index Terms—Electric arc furnace (EAF), metal scrap loading, casting temperature, steel, modeling, process, productivity

Cite: Caterine Donoso, Édison Argüello M., Kléber Chiluisa, Jhonny Granada, Marco Singaña, "Modelling Productivity Using the Structural Equations Method – A Case Study of Electrical Arc Furnance (EAF)" International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Robotics Research, Vol. 8, No. 6, pp. 891-895, November 2019. DOI: 10.18178/ijmerr.8.6.891-895