|
|
Article: The AFS cupola process model: a computer tool for foundries.(American Foundrymen's Society)
- Article from:
- Modern Casting
- Article date:
- June 1, 1999
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1999 American Foundry Society, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
After 10 years of research and development, a model has been developed to integrate numerous variables and guide cupola operations toward optimal performance.
Cupolas produce 70% of the world's iron for castings by melting iron and steel scrap and using energy developed from the combustion of coke. Cupola energy costs are low, and they utilize wider ranges of scrap than other melting processes. As a result, the cupola is generally the lowest cost producer of molten iron, particularly when iron requirements exceed 10 tons/hr.
In addition to cost benefits, the environment inside the cupola is oxidizing - making it less susceptible to tramp element ...