Development and implementation of an innovative, integrated steering algorithm for the high-grade silicon alloys production process in electric, arc-resistance furnaces of the IV furnace building on the basis of on the holistic control system of the process parameters

The project is implemented in four stages:

1. The first stage covers industrial research carried out in cooperation with scientific centres: The Silesian University of Technology and the Research and Development Centre GLOKOR sp. z o.o.; the research will embrace analysis of the existing control and process steering systems, preparation of project assumptions and guidelines for construction of a demonstration installation in terms of measurements, control and command of the silicon alloys smelting process, lab tests of an innovative measuring system for recording and analysis of currents and voltages flow of the furnace electrodes in real-time and development of an innovative method of determining electrodes’ endings location in the arc-resistance furnace hearth. At the given stage, an integrated algorithm to control production process of high-grade silicon alloys will be developed, as well as production process results reporting and forecasting system. The last element of the industrial research will be preparation of a schedule of validation tests with the use of the innovative process controlling master system equipped with the integrated control algorithm.
2. The second stage covers development works in terms of design and demonstration installation construction in a form of a system responsible for controlling and visualisation of an entire industrial process of ferrosilicon production in the IV furnace building, having common database for steering and for visualising. What is also planned is an extension of the existing scattered measurement, control and steering systems for silicon alloys production in the IV furnace building with adjustment to cooperate with the master system, creation of a system for identification of electric arc parameters, as well as resistance and capacity of active workspaces of the furnace, also building a prototype of the master system for measurements and control of high-grade silicon alloys production in furnace of the IV furnace building of the DCS type.
3. The third stage covers development works in terms of technological tests in a form of: a) real-conditions tests of a modernised and newly installed equipment for process measurements and control, as well as methods of optimisation adjustments, as a response to changing smelting conditions. b) real-conditions tests of the master system equipped with the integrated control algorithm.
4. The fourth stage comprises pre-implementation works focused on providing industrial property protection of the solution developed within the project with respect to the innovative method of measuring electrodes’ endings position when submerged in the feedstock, development of a technical procedure specification and employees’ training in terms of implementation of the innovative technology.