Electric furnace equipment and method for manufacturing molten metal

Abstract

Provided are an electric furnace facility and a method for manufacturing molten metal that can perform uniform operation. 【Solution means】The electric furnace facility according to the present invention includes a main body portion having an internal space capable of processing raw materials, an electrode portion that can be fitted into the internal space of the main body portion, a charging portion disposed on the main body portion so that raw materials can be charged into the internal space of the main body portion, an imaging portion disposed on the main body portion so as to be able to image around the electrode portion in the internal space of the main body portion, and a raw material mountain formed by piling up raw materials around the electrode portion and the electrode portion using the captured image obtained by the imaging portion. The separation distance D m is detected, and an input control unit that controls the input of the raw material input from the input unit to the main body portion based on the detected separation distance D m may be provided. Using the captured image obtained by the imaging portion, the separation distance (D m ) between the raw material mountain formed by piling up raw materials around the electrode portion and the electrode portion is detected, and an input control unit that controls the input of the raw material input from the input unit to the main body portion based on the detected separation distance (D m ) is provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric furnace facility and a method for producing molten metal, and more particularly, to an electric furnace facility and a method for producing molten metal capable of performing uniform operation.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, in order to address the climate change crisis, efforts have been actively made to develop carbon-neutral technologies that minimize carbon dioxide emissions. For this reason, in the steel industry, research and development have been carried out on hydrogen reduction ironmaking process technologies that produce direct reduced iron using hydrogen instead of fossil fuels that generate carbon dioxide, and then produce iron using this direct reduced iron. When the hydrogen reduction ironmaking process technology reaches the commercialization level, this technology can replace not only the blast furnace operation that generates a large amount of carbon dioxide by utilizing electric furnace operation but also the converter operation.

[0003] Direct reduced iron is melted by the heat generated in the electrode part of the electric furnace facility. However, direct reduced iron has a high content of metallic iron. Therefore, if direct reduced iron comes into contact with the electrode part of the electric furnace facility, stable operation cannot be performed due to excessive supply of current due to a change in resistance or a change in the current movement path. In addition, when the separation distance between the electrode part and the raw material pile is excessively large, there is a problem that the operating rate of the electric furnace facility decreases.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides an electric furnace facility and a method for producing molten metal capable of performing uniform operation.

[0006] The present invention provides an electric furnace facility capable of uniformly heating raw materials and a method for manufacturing molten metal.

[0007] The present invention provides an electric furnace facility capable of allowing a uniform current to flow through an electrode part and a method for manufacturing molten metal.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The electric furnace facility of the present invention includes a main body part having an internal space capable of processing raw materials, an electrode part installable in the internal space of the main body part, a charging part disposed in the main body part so that raw materials can be charged into the internal space of the main body part, an imaging part disposed in the main body part so as to be able to image around the electrode part in the internal space of the main body part, and a separation distance D between a mountain of raw materials formed by piling up raw materials around the electrode part and the electrode part using an imaging image acquired by the imaging part m is detected, and a charging control part that controls the charging of raw materials input from the charging part into the main body part based on the detected separation distance D m is provided.

[0009] The electric furnace facility is provided with a supply part connected to the charging part so that raw materials can be supplied to the charging part and the amount of raw materials supplied to the charging part can be adjusted, and the charging control part controls the operation of the supply part based on the detected separation distance D m is provided.

[0010] The charging control part controls the charging of raw materials input into the main body part based on the separation distance D between a mountain of raw materials piled up around the electrode part and the electrode part, and controls the charging of raw materials input so as to be closer to the inner wall of the main body part than the electrode part using data different from the separation distance D m is provided. m is provided.

[0011] The main body includes a furnace body having the internal space and a lid covering the upper part of the furnace body. The electrode part and the charging part are arranged to penetrate the lid in the vertical direction. The imaging part may be arranged on the side wall of the furnace body so as to be able to image the internal space of the main body.

[0012] A hole is provided in the side wall of the furnace body so as to penetrate the side wall in the thickness direction. The imaging part is inserted into the hole. A light-transmitting window is arranged at one end of the hole facing the internal space of the furnace body. The imaging part may be arranged to face the window.

[0013] The imaging part may be obliquely arranged such that the height gradually decreases as it advances toward one end facing the internal space.

[0014] The charging part includes a first charging part arranged around the electrode part and a second charging part arranged outside the first charging part such that the distance from the electrode part is further than that of the first charging part. The imaging part may be arranged to be able to acquire an imaging image including a first raw material pile formed inside the main body when raw materials are charged from the first charging part and the electrode part.

[0015] The supply part includes a first supply part for supplying raw materials to the first charging part and a second supply part for supplying raw materials to the second charging part. The charging control part uses the imaging image to detect the separation distance D m between the electrode part and the first raw material pile, and may include a first charging control part for controlling the operation of the first supply part using the detected separation distance D m and a second charging control part for controlling the operation of the second supply part.

[0016] The first charging control part includes an identification image generator for identifying the electrode part and the first raw material pile on the imaging image and generating an identification image in which the identified electrode part and the first raw material pile are distinguished, and uses the identification image to detect the separation distance Dm A distance detector for detecting, and the separation distance D detected by the distance detector in the distance detector m A first input adjuster for controlling the operation of the first supply unit based on, and the first input adjuster is the detected separation distance D m And using the already set reference separation distance, the method of feeding raw materials from the first input unit may be determined to be any one of maintaining the input amount, increasing the input amount, decreasing the input amount, and suspending the input.

[0017] The electric furnace equipment includes a first sensor unit disposed on one side of the first input unit so as to be able to detect the separation distance between the first raw material pile and the lid body, and the first input control unit uses the separation distance between the first raw material pile and the lid body detected by the first sensor unit to determine the height H cm Of the first raw material pile, and the first input adjuster, when the input method from the first input unit is determined to be either increasing the input amount or decreasing the input amount, the height H cm Of the first raw material pile may be used to determine the input amount of the raw material to be input through the first input unit.

[0018] The first input control unit includes a second height detector for detecting the height H cm Of the first raw material pile using the identification image, and the first input adjuster, when the input method from the first input unit is determined to be either increasing the input amount or decreasing the input amount, the height H cm Of the first raw material pile may be used to determine the input amount of the raw material to be input through the first input unit.

[0019] The first input adjuster, when the input method from the first input unit is determined to be either increasing the input amount or decreasing the input amount, the detected separation distance D m And the difference from the reference separation distance may be used to determine the input amount of the raw material to be input through the first input unit.

[0020] The electric furnace equipment is provided with a second sensor unit disposed on one side of the second charging unit so as to be able to detect the separation distance between the second raw material pile formed inside the main body part when the raw material is charged from the second charging unit and the lid body. The second charging control unit uses the separation distance between the second raw material pile and the lid body detected by the second sensor unit to determine the height H sm of the second raw material pile, a third height detector for detecting the height H sm of the detected second raw material pile, and a second charging adjuster for controlling the operation of the second supply unit so as to be able to adjust at least one of the presence or absence of raw material charging and the raw material charging amount from the second charging unit based on the detected height H

[0021] The method for manufacturing molten metal according to the present invention may include a process of charging raw materials into the electric furnace, a process of supplying power to an electrode unit disposed inside the electric furnace to melt the raw materials, a process of imaging the inside of the electric furnace to obtain an imaging image including the electrode unit and the raw material pile accumulated around the electrode unit, a process of using the imaging image to detect the separation distance D m between the electrode unit and the raw material pile, and a process of controlling the charging of the raw materials charged around the electrode unit using the detected separation distance D m between the electrode unit and the raw material pile.

[0022] The process of detecting the separation distance D m between the electrode unit and the raw material pile may include a process of identifying the electrode unit and the raw material pile on the imaging image to generate an identification image in which the identified electrode unit and raw material pile are shown separately, and a process of detecting the separation distance D m between the electrode unit and the raw material pile identified on the identification image.

[0023] The process of controlling the charging of the raw materials charged around the electrode unit is based on the detected separation distance D mBased on this, it may include a process of determining an input method as any one of input amount maintenance, input amount increase, input amount decrease, and input suspension, and a process of inputting raw materials around the electrode part according to the determined input method.

[0024] The method for manufacturing the molten metal includes a process of detecting the height of the raw material pile. When the input method is determined to be either an increase in the input amount or a decrease in the input amount in the process of determining the input method, the process of controlling the input of the raw material input around the electrode part includes a process of determining the input amount of the raw material using the detected height of the raw material pile. When inputting the raw material according to the determined input method, it may be input with the determined input amount of the raw material.

[0025] The process of detecting the height of the raw material pile includes a process of irradiating the raw material pile with electromagnetic waves or light using a sensor part arranged above the raw material pile to detect the separation distance between the sensor part and the raw material pile, and a process of detecting the height H cm of the raw material pile using the detected separation distance between the sensor part and the raw material pile.

[0026] The method for manufacturing the molten metal includes a process of determining whether there is a malfunction of the sensor part. The process of determining whether there is a malfunction of the sensor part includes a process of comparing the detected separation distance between the sensor part and the raw material pile with a preset malfunction determination distance to determine whether there is a malfunction of the sensor part. When it is determined that the sensor part has malfunctioned, the process of detecting the height H cm of the raw material pile may include a process of detecting the height H cm of the raw material pile identified on the identification image.

[0027] When the input method is determined to be either an increase in the input amount or a decrease in the input amount in the process of determining the input method, the process of controlling the input of the raw material input around the electrode part includes the detected separation distance D mincluding a process of determining the input amount of the raw material using the difference from the already set reference separation distance, and when inputting the raw material by the determined input method, it may be input with the determined input amount of the raw material.

[0028] The method for producing the molten metal includes the separation distance D between the detected electrode part and the raw material heap m and may include a process of inputting the raw material at a position closer to the inner wall of the electric furnace than the electrode part using different data.

[0029] The method for producing the molten metal includes the height H of the second raw material heap formed inside the electric furnace so as to be farther from the electrode part than the first raw material heap which is the raw material heap piled up around the electrode part sm a process of detecting, and the height H of the second raw material heap formed inside the electric furnace so that the distance from the electrode part is farther than that of the first raw material heap sm a process of detecting, and the detected height H of the second raw material heap sm using the magnitude relationship between the detected height H of the second raw material heap and the already set reference height to determine the input method as any one of maintaining the input amount, increasing the input amount, decreasing the input amount, and suspending the input, and the detected height H of the second raw material heap sm using the difference between the height H and the reference height to determine the input amount of the raw material, and the process of inputting the raw material at a position where the distance from the electrode part is farther than that of the first raw material heap includes the height H of the second raw material heap sm and may include a process of inputting the raw material with the input method and input amount determined by the height H.

[0030] The raw material may include hydrogen direct reduced iron reduced by hydrogen.

Advantages of the Invention

[0031] According to the present invention, the separation distance between the electrode part and the raw material heap can be detected. Then, based on the detected separation distance between the electrode part and the raw material heap, the input of the raw material can be controlled. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the electrode part from coming into contact with the raw material heap. Therefore, when power is applied to the electrode part, it is possible to prevent current hunting from occurring in the electrode part. For this reason, a uniform current can flow through the electrode part. Therefore, the raw material can be heated uniformly, and thereby, uniform operation can be performed. Further, it is possible to prevent the problem that the operation rate of the electric furnace facility and the productivity of the molten metal decrease due to hunting. Therefore, the operation rate of the electric furnace facility and the productivity of the molten metal can be improved.

[0032] And, it can be adjusted so that the electrode part and the raw material heap are separated at an appropriate distance, and the slag can be exposed with an appropriate area. Therefore, it is possible to suppress or prevent the loss due to the exposed slag and the erosion of the refractory.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0033]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail based on the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and can be embodied in various different forms. The following embodiments are provided only to make the disclosure of the present invention complete and to fully inform those with ordinary knowledge of the scope of the invention. The drawings may be exaggerated for the purpose of explaining the embodiments of the present invention, and the same reference numerals in the drawings refer to the same components.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the electric furnace equipment of the present invention as viewed from above. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the electric furnace equipment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a part of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the main body of the electric furnace equipment of the present invention as viewed from above, showing the raw material pile, slag, and electrodes inside the main body.

[0036] Here, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the electrode part and the first charging part of the present invention.

[0037] An electric furnace facility is a device that melts the raw materials charged inside to produce a melt, that is, molten metal. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electric furnace facility includes a main body portion 1000 having an internal space capable of processing raw materials, an electrode portion 2000 disposed in the main body portion so as to supply heat for melting the raw material M inside the main body portion 1000, a charging portion 3000 disposed in the main body portion 1000 so as to be able to charge the raw material M into the main body portion 1000, a supply portion 4000 for supplying the raw material M to the charging portion 3000, an imaging portion 6000 disposed in the main body portion 1000 so as to be able to image the inside of the main body portion 1000, and a pile P formed by piling up raw materials using the image acquired by the imaging portion 6000 m and a charging control portion 8000 that detects the separation distance between the pile P and the electrode portion 2000 and controls the operation of the supply portion 4000 based on the detected separation distance.

[0038] Further, the electric furnace facility may include a storage portion 5000 in which the raw material M to be provided to the supply portion is stored, and a sensor portion 7000 disposed in the main body portion 1000 so as to be able to measure the height of the pile P of the raw materials piled up inside the main body portion 1000 and a power supply portion (not shown) connected to the electrode portion 2000 so as to be able to apply power. m

[0039] The raw material M charged into the internal space of the main body portion 1000 may contain direct reduced iron (DRI). Further, a reducing agent for reducing the direct reduced iron is charged into the main body portion 1000, and the reducing agent may be a gas containing hydrogen. More specifically, the reducing agent may be hydrogen gas. The reducing agent, which is a gas containing hydrogen, may be charged into the inside of the main body portion through a component provided separately from the charging portion 3000, for example, a reducing agent supply pipe disposed so as to be connected to the main body portion 1000.

[0040] When power is applied to the electrode portion 2000 and heat is generated inside the main body portion 1000, the raw material M, that is, direct reduced iron (DRI) is melted. Then, the raw material M is reduced by the reducing agent containing hydrogen, and thus, molten metal L is produced.

[0041] The direct reduced iron may be at least one of low-grade direct reduced iron produced using ores with an iron (Fe) content of less than 65 wt% and high-grade direct reduced iron produced using ores with an iron (Fe) content of 65 wt% or more.

[0042] When a material containing hydrogen is used as the reducing agent, the direct reduced iron reduced with hydrogen can be named "hydrogen direct reduced iron". Therefore, the electric furnace equipment for melting and reducing hydrogen direct reduced iron to produce molten metal L can be named "electric furnace equipment for melting hydrogen-reduced direct reduced iron".

[0043] In the above, the use of a material containing hydrogen as the reducing agent was explained. However, various materials such as coke can be used as the reducing agent for reducing direct reduced iron.

[0044] Also, the raw materials charged into the main body 1000 are not limited to direct reduced iron, and may include scrap with a higher iron (Fe) content than the direct reduced iron. The scrap may be iron scrap with an iron (Fe) content exceeding 70 wt%, more preferably iron scrap with an iron (Fe) content of 85 wt% - 99 wt%.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 1000 may include a furnace body 1100 having an internal space and a lid 1200 covering the opening provided above the furnace body 1100.

[0046] The furnace body 1100 may have an internal space and be cylindrical with an open upper side. Such a furnace body 1100 may include, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an outer wall body 1100A made of iron sheet or metal and an inner wall body 1100B built from a refractory material so as to surround the inner wall of the outer wall body 1100A.

[0047] The furnace body 1100 may be provided with a first discharge port (not shown) for discharging the molten metal L and a second discharge port (not shown) for discharging the slag S floating on the upper part of the molten metal L. Each of the first and second discharge ports may be provided on the side wall of the furnace body 1100, or may be provided on the bottom surface of the lower part of the furnace body 1100. For example, the first discharge port may be provided on the side wall on one side of the furnace body 1100, and the second discharge port may be provided on the side wall on the other side of the furnace body 1100. Needless to say, the first and second discharge ports are not limited to the above-described positions at all, and may be provided at various positions where the molten metal L and the slag S can be discharged to the outside.

[0048] Outside the furnace body 1100, containers capable of accommodating the molten metal L and the slag S respectively are arranged. That is, a first container may be arranged below the first discharge port on the outside of the furnace body 1100, and a second container may be arranged below the second discharge port. Here, the first container for accommodating the molten metal L discharged from the first discharge port may be, for example, a ladle, and the second container for accommodating the slag S discharged from the second discharge port may be a slag port.

[0049] The lid body 1200 is disposed on the upper part of the furnace body 1100 so as to be able to close the opening on the upper side of the furnace body 1100. The lid body 1200 may be provided with holes through which a part of the electrode part 2000, the charging part 3000, and the sensor part 7000 can penetrate.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the main body part 1000 including the furnace body 1100 and the lid body 1200 may have a rectangular shape, more specifically, a rectangular parallelepiped shape. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the main body part 1000 may be a rectangular parallelepiped shape in which the length extending in one side direction (X-axis direction) is shorter than the length extending in the other side direction (Y-axis direction). In other words, the furnace body 1100 may be a rectangular parallelepiped shape in which the length extending in one side direction (X-axis direction) is shorter than the length extending in the other side direction (Y-axis direction), and the lid body 1200 may be provided in a shape corresponding to or the same as that of the furnace body 1100.

[0051] Needless to say, the shape of the main body 1000 is not limited thereto and may be circular. Further, the shape of the main body 1000 can be changed to various shapes such as polygons other than rectangular shapes, for example, triangular shapes, pentagonal shapes, and the like.

[0052] Such a main body 1000 can be named an electric furnace.

[0053] The electrode part 2000 supplies thermal energy for melting and reducing the raw material inside the main body part 1000. Such an electrode part 2000 may have a shape extending in the vertical direction as shown in FIG. 2, and may be disposed so as to penetrate the lid 1200 of the main body part 1000 in the vertical direction. At this time, the electrode part 2000 may be disposed such that one end of both ends in the extending direction is located below the lid 1200 and the other end is located above the lid. And when one end of the electrode part 2000 is disposed so as to be located inside the main body part 1000, one end is disposed so as to be separated from the upper side of the slag S by a predetermined distance. Further, the other end of the electrode part 2000 protruding above the lid 1200 may be connected to a power supply unit (not shown). Here, the power may mean voltage or current, and the heat generated from the electrode part 2000 may include resistance heat due to the applied power.

[0054] If the power supply unit 4000 is operated to apply power to the electrode part 2000, the electrode part 2000 generates resistance due to the slag S and arc resistance to supply thermal energy to the inside of the main body part 1000. Therefore, the slag is heated inside the main body part 1000, and the raw material is melted by the heated slag S to produce molten metal L. That is, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, raw materials are piled up on the upper part of the slag S to form a pile P m: P cm 、P sm is formed, but this pile P of raw materials m is melted by the heated slag S, whereby molten metal L is produced.

[0055] Inside the main body 1000, the raw material pile P m: P cm 、P sm When melted, the raw material pile P m: P cm 、P sm Among them, melting starts from the layer closest to the slag S or the lower layer in contact with the slag S. And as time passes, the raw materials in the upper layer are melted while moving downward.

[0056] The electrode part 2000 may be arranged, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, to be located at the central part or central region in one side direction (X-axis direction). Here, the central part or central region in one side direction (X-axis direction) may include the central position in the said one side direction (X-axis direction) and the region up to a location separated by a predetermined distance from the central position.

[0057] And a plurality of electrode parts 2000 may be provided, and the plurality of electrode parts 2000 may be arranged side by side and spaced apart from each other in the other side direction (Y-axis direction) intersecting or orthogonal to the one side direction (X-axis direction).

[0058] The plurality of electrode parts 2000 can be connected to one power supply unit, and the power supply unit can adjust the power supplied to each of the plurality of electrode parts 2000. Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of power supply units may be provided so as to be connectable to the plurality of electrode parts 2000 one by one.

[0059] The input parts 3000: 3100, 3200 may be shaped such that a passage through which the raw material M can pass is provided inside. For example, the input part 3000 may be in the shape of a pipe with a passage provided inside and both ends open. Such an input part 3000 may be disposed to penetrate the lid 1200 in the vertical direction. At this time, the input part 3000 may be disposed such that one end thereof is located below the lid 1200 and the other end protrudes above the lid 1200. Here, the other end of the input part 3000 located above the lid 1200 is an inlet through which the raw material flows into the inside of the input part 3000, and one end of the input part 3000 located below the lid 1200 is an outlet that discharges the raw material into the inside of the main body part 1000.

[0060] A plurality of input parts 3000 are provided, and the plurality of input parts 3000: 3100, 3200 are arranged to be lined up in each of one side direction (X-axis direction) and the other side direction (Y-axis direction) intersecting with the one side direction (X-axis direction). In other words, the input parts 3000 are arranged in a plurality of rows in each of the one side direction (X-axis direction) and the other side direction (Y-axis direction).

[0061] Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the input part disposed around the electrode part 2000 is named the first input part 3100. And the input part disposed outside the first input part 3100 so that the distance from the electrode part 2000 is further than that of the first input part 3100 is named the second input part 3200.

[0062] And as shown in FIG. 1, when the electrode part is located at the central part in the one side direction (X-axis direction), it can be explained that the first input part 3100 is the input part disposed at the central part in the one side direction (X-axis direction) so as to be located around the electrode part 2000. Also, the second input part 3200 can be explained as the input part located on both outer sides of the first input part 3100 with respect to the one side direction (X-axis direction).

[0063] Regarding the case where the electrode unit 2000 is disposed at the central portion in one side direction and the first charging unit 3100 is disposed around such an electrode unit 2000, it is as follows when described again. The first charging unit 3100 may be disposed so as to be located at the central portion in one side direction (X-axis direction) so as to be disposed around the electrode unit 2000. The first charging units 3100 are provided in plurality, and the plurality of first charging units 3100 are arranged so as to be arranged side by side in the other side direction (Y-axis direction). And the first charging units 3100 may be provided so as to be arranged in plurality also in one side direction (X-axis direction). Further, the first charging unit 3100 may be disposed so as to be located between two electrode units 2000. That is, one first charging unit 3100 may be disposed so as to be located between two adjacent electrode units 2000. That is, the electrode unit 2000 and the first charging unit 3100 may be alternately arranged in the other side direction (Y-axis direction). Further, the first charging unit 3100 may be disposed between both side surfaces in the other side direction (Y-axis direction) inside the main body unit 1000 and the electrode unit.

[0064] The second charging unit 3200 is disposed on both outer sides in one side direction (X-axis direction) of the first charging unit 3100. And the second charging units 3200 are provided in plurality, and the plurality of second charging units 3200 are arranged so as to be arranged side by side in the other side direction (Y-axis direction). Such a second charging unit 3200 is different only in the disposed position from the first charging unit 3100 described above, and its shape or structure is the same. For this reason, the description regarding the second charging unit 3200 is omitted.

[0065] As described above, a plurality of charging units 3000 are provided and arranged in each of one side direction (X-axis direction) and the other side direction (Y-axis direction). That is, the electric furnace facility includes a plurality of first charging units 3100 and a plurality of second charging units 3200, and the plurality of first charging units 3100 and the plurality of second charging units 3200 are arranged in each of one side direction (X-axis direction) and the other side direction (Y-axis direction). For this reason, the positions of each of the plurality of first charging units 3100 and the plurality of second charging units 3200 are different from each other. The positions of each of the plurality of first charging units 3100 and the plurality of second charging units 3200 may be stored in a charging control unit 8000 described later.

[0066] The storage unit 5000 is a means for storing the raw material M to be charged into the main body unit 1000, and the raw material stored in the storage unit 5000 may contain direct reduced iron. The storage unit 5000 may include a first storage unit 5100 storing the raw material to be provided to the first charging unit 3100 and a second storage unit 5200 storing the raw material to be provided to the second charging unit 3200.

[0067] The supply unit 4000 is a means for supplying the raw material to the plurality of charging units 3100 and 3200. Such a supply unit 4000 may include a first supply unit 4100 for supplying the raw material M to the first charging unit 3100 and a second charging unit 3200 for supplying the raw material to the second charging unit 3200.

[0068] First, the first supply unit 4100 will be described.

[0069] The first supply unit 4100 may include a first conveying member 4110 disposed to connect the first storage unit 5100 and the first charging unit 3100 and a first adjusting member 4120 disposed on the first conveying member 4110.

[0070] The first conveying member 4110 may be in the shape of a pipe with a passage provided inside so that the raw material M can pass through. Both ends of the first conveying member 4110 are open, and one of the two ends may be connected to the first charging section 3100, and the other end may be connected to the first storage section 5100.

[0071] The first adjusting member 4120 adjusts the communication between the first storage section 5100 and the first charging section 3100 and adjusts the charging amount of the raw material M. Such a first adjusting member 4120 may be disposed on the first conveying member 4110 that connects the first storage section 5100 and the first charging section 3100. And the first adjusting member 4120 may be a means provided with a valve. Such a first adjusting member 4120 can adjust the communication between the first storage section 5100 and the first charging section 3100 by its opening and closing operation. Also, the first adjusting member 4120 can adjust the charging amount of the raw material M supplied to the first charging section 3100 by adjusting its opening ratio. Here, adjusting the charging amount may include adjusting the charging speed. And the operation of the first adjusting member 4120 is controlled by the charging control section 8000 described later. That is, at least one of the presence or absence of its opening and closing and the opening ratio is controlled by the charging control section 8000.

[0072] A plurality of the first supply sections 4100 as described above may be provided so as to be connected to each of the plurality of first charging sections 3100. That is, each of the plurality of first charging sections 3100 may be individually connected to the first supply section 4100.

[0073] The second supply unit 4200 supplies raw materials to the second input unit 3200. It only differs from the first supply unit 4100 in the object to which the raw materials are supplied, and its configuration is the same or similar. That is, the second supply unit 4200 may include a second conveying member 4210 disposed to connect the second storage unit 5200 and the second input unit 3200, and a second adjusting member 4220 disposed on the second conveying member 4210. Here, the second conveying member 4210 and the second adjusting member 4220 of the second supply unit 4200 have the same shape and structure as the above-described first conveying member 4110 and first adjusting member 4120. Therefore, the description of the second conveying member 4210 and the second adjusting member 4220 is omitted.

[0074] The second supply unit 4200 as described above may be provided in a plurality so as to be connected to each of the plurality of second input units 3200. That is, the second supply unit 4200 may be individually connected to each of the plurality of second input units 3200.

[0075] In the above, as shown in FIG. 1, it has been described that a plurality of first supply units 4100 are connected to one first storage unit 5100, and a plurality of second supply units 4200 are connected to one second storage unit 5200. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and each of the first storage unit 5100 and the second storage unit 5200 may be provided in a plurality. And a first supply unit 4100 may be connected to each of the plurality of first storage units 5100, and a second supply unit 4200 may be connected to each of the plurality of second storage units 5200.

[0076] Further, instead of providing the first storage unit 5100 and the second storage unit 5200 separately, a single storage unit may be provided. In such a case, a plurality of first supply units 4100 and a plurality of second supply units 4200 may be connected to the single storage unit.

[0077] If the raw material M is introduced into the main body 1000 using the introduction unit 3000, the raw material will accumulate on top of the surface of the slag S. For this reason, a pile of raw material is formed on top of the slag S, which will hereinafter be referred to as the "pile of raw material P m ".

[0078] And since the raw material M is introduced into the main body 1000 using a plurality of first introduction units 3100 and a plurality of second introduction units 3200, a plurality of piles of raw material P m :P cm 、P sm are formed inside the main body 1000. At this time, the piles of raw material P m :P cm 、P sm are formed corresponding to the lower sides of the respective plurality of introduction units 3000, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the piles of raw material P m :P cm 、P sm are formed.

[0079] The piles of raw material P m :P cm 、P sm may be formed facing the lower sides of the introduction units 3000:3100, 3200, or may be provided in the same number as the number of the introduction units 3000:3100, 3200. That is, the piles of raw material P m :P cm 、P sm may be formed. Stated in another way, the plurality of piles of raw material P m :P cm 、P sm may be formed so as to be arranged in one side direction (X-axis direction) and the other side direction (Y-axis direction).

[0080] Hereinafter, the pile of raw material formed by being introduced from the first introduction unit 3100 into the main body 1000 will be named the "first pile of raw material P cm ", and the pile of raw material formed by being introduced from the second introduction unit 3200 into the main body 1000 will be named the "second pile of raw material P sm ".

[0081] Therefore, the pile P of the first raw material cm can be described as a pile of raw materials formed around the electrode portion 2000. For example, when a plurality of piles of raw materials are arranged in one direction with the electrode portion 2000 as a reference, the pile P of raw materials around the electrode portion 2000 cm is the pile P of raw materials that is closest to the electrode portion 2000 among the plurality of piles of raw materials arranged in the one direction cm and can mean. Also, a plurality of piles P of raw materials may be formed in the circumferential direction of the electrode portion 2000 around the electrode portion 2000 cm . In such a case, the pile P of raw materials around the electrode portion 2000 cm is the plurality of piles P of raw materials arranged in the circumferential direction around the electrode portion 2000 cm and may be. And when detecting the separation distance between the electrode portion 2000 and the pile P of raw materials formed around the electrode portion 2000 cm , the separation distance D between the electrode portion 2000 and each of the plurality of piles P of raw materials formed around the electrode portion 2000 cm can be detected cm .

[0082] Also, the second pile P of raw materials sm can be described as a pile of raw materials formed outside the first pile P of raw materials so that the distance from the electrode portion 2000 is further than that of the first pile of raw materials cm .

[0083] The sensor units 7000: 7100, 7200 are the piles P of raw materials m : P cm , P smMeans for measuring the height thereof, which is disposed in the main body 1000. For example, the sensor unit 7000 may be disposed so as to penetrate the lid 1200 in the vertical direction. That is, the lid 1200 may be provided with a hole through which the sensor unit 7000 can pass, and the sensor unit 7000 may be fitted into the hole. At this time, the sensor unit 7000 may be disposed such that one end thereof is flush with the lower surface of the lid 1200. Here, the lower surface of the lid 1200 means the surface of the lid 1200 that faces the internal space of the main body 1000.

[0084] The sensor units 7000: 7100, 7200 are the stockpile P m :P cm 、P sm In order to detect the height of, the stockpile P m :P cm 、P sm It is means for measuring or detecting the separation distance from. That is, in the sensor units 7000: 7100, 7200, when the separation distance from the stockpile P m :P cm 、P sm is measured, the measured separation distance is transmitted to the input control unit 8000. Then, the input control unit 8000 uses the separation distance between the sensor units 7000: 7100, 7200 and the stockpile P m :P cm 、P sm to detect the height of the stockpile P m :P cm 、P sm .

[0085] The sensor units 7000: 7100, 7200 and the stockpile P m :P cm 、P sm detect the separation distance from, and use the detected separation distance to detect the height of the stockpile P m :P cm 、P sm The method for detecting the height will be described later when the input control unit 8000 is described.

[0086] The sensor units 7000:7100, 7200 may include a distance sensor, that is, a radar sensor, which emits electromagnetic waves inside the main body unit 1000 and measures the distance using the electromagnetic waves reflected back. Needless to say, the sensor unit 7000 is not limited to the above-described radar sensor, and may include an optical sensor that emits light such as ultrasonic waves or infrared rays and measures the distance using the light reflected back. Hereinafter, the case where the sensor unit 7000 includes a radar sensor that emits electromagnetic waves will be described as an example.

[0087] The sensor units 7000:7100, 7200 may be provided in the same number as the input units 3000, 3100, 3200 or the same number as the input units 3000, 3100, 3200. That is, the sensor units 7000:7100, 7200 may be provided in a plurality so as to be the same number as the input units 3000, 3100, 3200. And the sensor units 7000:7100, 7200 may be arranged in pairs with the input units 3000, 3100, 3200. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the sensor units 7000:7100, 7200 may be arranged on one side of the input units 3000, 3100, 3200, and the sensor units 7000:7100, 7200 may be arranged one-to-one for each of the plurality of input units.

[0088] For this reason, the plurality of sensor units 7000:7100, 7200 may be arranged to be the same number as the plurality of input units 3000, 3100, 3200. Referring to FIG. 1, the arrangement of the plurality of sensor units 7000:7100, 7200 will be described. The plurality of sensor units 7000:7100, 7200 may be arranged so as to be arranged side by side in each of one side direction (X-axis direction) and the other side direction (Y-axis direction) of the main body unit. In other words, the sensor units 7000:7100, 7200 are arranged in a plurality of rows in each of one side direction (X-axis direction) and the other side direction (Y-axis direction).

[0089] A pile P of raw materials formed by discharging the raw material M from the input units 3000, 3100, 3200 m :P cm , Psm is formed to have a predetermined angle of repose. Such an angle of repose can be adjusted according to the particle size of the raw material particles, the ratio by particle size, etc. And the pile P of the raw material m :P cm 、P sm :P m :P cm 、P sm may have the highest height at the center in the width direction of the uppermost layer of P

[0090] When disposing the sensor units 7000:7100, 7200, they are disposed so as to be able to be located at the center in the width direction of the pile P of the raw material m :P cm 、P sm :P m :P cm 、P sm :P m :P cm 、P sm :P m :P cm 、P sm :P m :P cm 、P sm :P m :P cm 、P sm :P

[0091] Hereinafter, the sensor unit disposed on one side of the first input unit 3100 is named the first sensor unit 7100, and the sensor unit disposed on one side of the second input unit 3200 is named the second sensor unit 7200. Therefore, it can be explained that the first sensor unit 7100 is a sensor unit disposed around the electrode unit 2000, and the second sensor unit 7200 is a sensor unit disposed outside the first sensor unit 7100 such that the distance from the electrode unit 2000 is further than that of the first sensor unit 7100.

[0092] And, as shown in FIG. 1, when the electrode unit is located at the center in one side direction (X-axis direction), it can be explained that the first sensor unit 7100 is a sensor unit disposed at the center in one side direction (X-axis direction) so as to be located around the electrode unit 2000. Also, it can be explained that the second sensor unit 7200 is a sensor unit located on both outer sides of the first sensor unit 7100 with respect to one side direction (X-axis direction).

[0093] The first sensor unit 7100 detects the separation distance between the first sensor unit 7100 and the first raw material pile P cm And the separation distance between the first raw material pile P detected by the first sensor unit 7100 cm is transmitted to the input control unit 8000. The input control unit 8000 uses the separation distance between the first raw material pile P cm to detect the height of the first raw material pile P cm Here, the height of the first raw material pile P cm may be the distance from the upper surface of the slag S to the uppermost layer of the first raw material pile P cm .

[0094] The second sensor unit 7200 detects the separation distance between the second sensor unit 7200 and the second raw material pile P sm And the separation distance between the second raw material pile P detected by the second sensor unit 7200 sm is transmitted to the input control unit 8000. The input control unit 8000 uses the separation distance between the second raw material pile P sm to the second raw material pile Psm Detect the height of. Here, the peak P of the second raw material sm The height of may be the distance from the upper surface of the slag S to the uppermost layer of the peak P of the second raw material sm up to.

[0095] As described above, the sensor unit 7000 is disposed on one side of each of the plurality of charging units 3000. That is, the first sensor unit 7100 is disposed on one side of each of the plurality of first charging units 3100, and the second sensor unit 7200 is disposed on one side of each of the plurality of second charging units 3200. For this reason, the number of the first sensor units 7100 can be the same as the number of the first charging units 3100, and the number of the second sensor units 7200 can be the same as the number of the second charging units 3200.

[0096] In this way, the fact that the sensor units 7000:7100, 7200 are disposed on one side of the charging units 3000:3100, 3200 may mean that the charging units 3000:3100, 3200 and the sensor units 7000:7100, 7200 are arranged in a one-to-one matching or cooperation. For this purpose, the charging unit and the sensor unit may be disposed on one body as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. That is, the first charging unit 3100 and the first sensor unit 7100 may be disposed on one body 31 (see FIG. 2), and the second charging unit 3200 and the second sensor unit 7200 may be disposed on one body (not shown).

[0097] As described above, the first sensor unit 7100 is disposed on one side of each of the plurality of first charging units 3100. And the first sensor unit 7100 radiates electromagnetic waves to its lower side to detect the separation distance from the peak P of the first raw material stacked below it. And the detected peak P of the first raw material cm cm ​The distance from [it] is transmitted to the input control unit 8000. At this time, the first sensor unit 7100 transmits information including the position of the first input unit 3100 that is matched or coordinated with the first sensor unit 7100 to the input control unit 8000. That is, the information transmitted by the first sensor unit 7100 to the input control unit 8000 includes the position of the first input unit 3100 coordinated with the first sensor unit 7100 and the first raw material pile P formed below the first input unit 3100 cm including the distance from [it]. And each of the plurality of first sensor units 7100 measures the distance from the first raw material pile P cm formed below it. Therefore, the information transmitted by each of the plurality of first sensor units 7100 to the input control unit 8000 includes the position of each first input unit 3100 coordinated with the plurality of first sensor units 7100 and the first raw material pile P cm formed below the first input unit 3100, including the distance from [it].

[0098] Also, a second sensor unit 7200 is disposed on one side of each of the plurality of second input units 3200, and the second sensor unit 7200 detects the distance from the second raw material pile P sm stacked below it. The detected distance from the second raw material pile P sm is transmitted to the input control unit 8000. At this time, the second sensor unit 7200 transmits information including the position of the second input unit 3200 that is matched or coordinated with the second sensor unit 7200 to the input control unit 8000. That is, the information provided by the second sensor unit 7200 includes the position of the second input unit 3200 coordinated with the second sensor unit 7200 and the second raw material pile P sm formed below the second input unit 3200, including the distance from [it]. And each of the plurality of second sensor units 7200 measures the distance from the second raw material pile P sm formed below it. Therefore, the information provided by each of the plurality of second sensor units 7200 includes the position of each second input unit 3200 coordinated with the plurality of second sensor units 7200 and the second raw material pile Psm includes the separation distance from

[0099] Therefore, the input control unit 8000 uses the information transmitted from each of the plurality of first sensor units 7100 and the plurality of second sensor units 7200 to determine the plurality of first raw material piles P cm and the plurality of second raw material piles P sm of each height. That is, the plurality of first raw material piles P cm and the plurality of second raw material piles P sm are located at different positions from each other, which is determined by the positions of the plurality of first input units 3100 and the plurality of second input units 3200. And each of the plurality of first sensor units 7100 and the plurality of second sensor units 7200 transmits position information regarding each of the plurality of first input units 3100 and the plurality of second input units 3200 to the input control unit 8000. Therefore, the input control unit 8000 can detect the heights of the plurality of first raw material piles P cm and the plurality of second raw material piles P sm at different positions from each other.

[0100] The imaging unit 6000 is a means for imaging the inside of the main body unit 1000 to obtain an image or video. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the acquisition obtained by the imaging unit 6000 will be described as an "image".

[0101] The imaging unit 6000 is disposed in the main body unit 1000 so as to be able to image the inside of the main body unit 1000. More specifically, the imaging unit 6000 is disposed in the main body unit 1000 so as to be able to image the electrode unit 2000 and the first raw material pile P cm formed around it.

[0102] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the imaging unit 6000 may be disposed in the furnace body 1100 of the main body 1000. That is, the imaging unit 6000 may be penetrated or embedded in the side wall of the furnace body 1100 as shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 3. More specifically, a hole 1111 into which at least a part of the imaging unit 6000 can be inserted may be provided in the side wall of the furnace body 1100. Further, a transparent window 1110 may be disposed at one end of the hole 1111 facing the internal space of the furnace body 1100. At this time, the window 1110 may be heat-resistant glass.

[0103] The imaging unit 6000 is embedded in the hole 1111, and at this time, one end of the imaging unit 6000, that is, the lens, is disposed so as to face the window 1110. Further, the imaging unit 6000 may be disposed obliquely so as to be able to image the slag S located at the lower part inside the furnace body 1100. More specifically, when one end is the side where the lens is located in the imaging unit 6000 and the other end is the end opposite to the lens, it is disposed obliquely so that its height decreases as it advances from the other end to the one end.

[0104] When the imaging unit 6000 is disposed in the furnace body 1100, it may be disposed on both side walls of the furnace body 1100 with one side direction (X-axis direction) as a reference. And a plurality of imaging units 6000 may be disposed on both side walls of the furnace body 1100 in one side direction (X-axis direction), and the plurality of imaging units 6000 may be disposed so as to be arranged in the other side direction (Y-axis direction).

[0105] Further, when the imaging unit 6000 is disposed in the furnace body 1100, it may be disposed on both side walls of the furnace body 1100 with the other side direction (Y-axis direction) as a reference. FIG. 1 shows that one imaging unit 6000 is disposed on both side walls of the furnace body 1100 in the other side direction (Y-axis direction), but a plurality of imaging units 6000 may be disposed. And the plurality of imaging units 6000 may be disposed so as to be arranged in one side direction (X-axis direction).

[0106] Such an imaging unit may include, for example, a scanning camera (THREE-DIMENSIONAL SCANNING CAMERA).

[0107] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 4, the separation distance between the electrode portion and the raw material pile will be described.

[0108] A part of the electrode portion 2000 is installed inside the main body portion 1000, and one end thereof is disposed so as to be separated from the upper side of the slag S by a predetermined distance. When power is applied to the electrode portion 2000, heat is generated due to the slag resistance and the arc resistance, and thus the slag S is heated. Then, the raw material pile P m :P cm 、P sm loaded or piled on the upper part of the slag S is melted.

[0109] On the other hand, if the electrode portion 2000 comes into contact with the raw material pile P m :P cm 、P sm , when power is applied to the electrode portion 2000, there is a risk that an arc will be generated unstably. For this reason, there is a risk that hunting, in which the current does not flow uniformly through the electrode portion 2000 but flows non-uniformly, will occur. If current hunting occurs, there is a risk that problems such as the furnace condition becoming unstable, the operating rate of the electric furnace equipment decreasing, and the productivity of the molten metal L decreasing will occur. For example, there is a risk that problems such as the molten state of the raw material becoming non-uniform over time, the melting of the raw material being insufficient, or the time required to melt the raw material being prolonged will occur.

[0110] Therefore, when the raw material M is charged into the main body portion 1000, it is necessary to charge the raw material M so that the electrode portion 2000 does not come into contact with the raw material pile. That is, the raw material M is charged so that the first raw material pile P cm formed around the electrode portion 2000 does not come into contact with the electrode portion 2000. And the second raw material pile P sm is located outside the first raw material pile P cm and thus does not come into contact with the electrode portion 2000.

[0111] The electrode part 2000 and the pile P of the first raw material cm The fact that they do not contact means that the electrode part 2000 and the pile P of the first raw material cm may be separated. And when the electrode part 2000 and the pile P of the first raw material cm are separated, the surface of the slag S between the electrode part 2000 and the pile P of the first raw material cm is exposed. And if power is applied to the electrode part 2000, it starts to be heated from the exposed surface of the slag S, and gradually the heat spreads. In this way, without contacting the electrode part 2000 with the pile P of the first raw material cm the operation of manufacturing the molten metal L by exposing the surface of the slag S around the electrode part 2000 is called the OSBF (Open Slag Bath Furnace) operation.

[0112] The separation distance D between the electrode part 2000 and the pile P of the first raw material cm or the area of the surface of the slag S exposed to the outside around the electrode part 2000 may vary according to the input amount of the raw material input into the inside of the main body part 1000 through the first input part 3100. That is, the more the raw material amount input through the first input part 3100, the higher the height of the pile P of the first raw material cm and moreover, the wider its width. For this reason, the more the raw material amount input through the first input part 3100, the narrower the separation distance D between the electrode part 2000 and the pile P of the first raw material cm and for this reason, the narrower the area of the surface of the slag S exposed to the outside around the electrode part 2000. Conversely, the less the raw material amount input through the first input part 3100, the lower the height of the pile P of the first raw material cm and moreover, the narrower its width. For this reason, the less the raw material amount input through the first input part 3100, the wider the separation distance D between the electrode part 2000 and the pile P of the first raw material cm and for this reason, the wider the area of the surface of the slag S exposed to the outside around the electrode part 2000.

[0113] Here, the separation distance D between the electrode part 2000 and the raw material pile P cm means the separation distance in the horizontal direction.

[0114] The closer the separation distance D between the electrode part 2000 and the first raw material pile P cm is, the higher the possibility of current hunting when power is applied to the electrode part 2000. That is, the current cannot flow uniformly through the electrode part 2000, and there is a risk of non-uniform flowing hunting occurring. Also, there is a risk of severe hunting occurring where the variation in the current flowing through the electrode part 2000 becomes large. Conversely, the wider the separation distance D between the electrode part 2000 and the first raw material pile P cm is, the wider the surface area of the slag S exposed to the outside is, and there is a risk of severe heat loss occurring. Also, the wider the surface area of the exposed slag S is, the higher the temperature of the molten metal L is, and there is a risk that the refractory material constituting the main body part 1000 will be eroded rapidly.

[0115] Therefore, the surface of the slag S around the electrode part 2000 must be exposed with an appropriate area. For this purpose, the electrode part 2000 and the first raw material pile P cm formed around it must be separated at an appropriate distance. For example, the appropriate distance between the electrode part 2000 and the first raw material pile P cm may be 0.2 m to 1.0 m. Needless to say, the appropriate distance between the electrode part 2000 and the first raw material pile P cm is not limited to the above example at all, and can be changed according to the area of the main body part 1000, the number of charging parts arranged, etc.

[0116] Therefore, in the embodiment, during the operation of melting the raw material in the main body part 1000 to produce the molten metal L, the separation distance between the electrode part 2000 and the first raw material pile P cm is measured, and the charging amount of the raw material charged into the main body part 1000 is adjusted based on that separation distance.

[0117] Here, adjusting the input amount of the raw material includes the input amount of the raw material over time. Therefore, adjusting the input amount can include adjusting the input speed.

[0118] The input control unit 8000 may include a first input control unit 8100 that detects the separation distance between the electrode unit 2000 and the first raw material mound P cm using the image acquired by the imaging unit 6000, and controls the operation of the first supply unit 4100 using the detected separation distance.

[0119] In addition, the input control unit 8000 may include a second input control unit 8200 that detects the height of the second raw material mound P sm using the separation distance between the second sensor unit 7200 and the second raw material mound P sm , and controls the operation of the second supply unit 4200 using the detected height of the second raw material mound P sm .

[0120] Hereinafter, first, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, the first input control unit 8100 will be described.

[0121] FIG. 5(a) is an example of the captured image I s acquired by the imaging unit of the present invention, and FIG. 5(b) is an example of the identification image I s generated using the captured image I d .

[0122] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the first input control unit 8100 may include an identification image generator 8110 that converts the image acquired by the imaging unit 6000 into an image (hereinafter, the identification image I cm ) in which the electrode unit 2000, the first raw material mound P d , and the slag S are identified or distinguished, a distance detector 8120 that detects the separation distance D d between the electrode unit 2000 and the first raw material mound P cm on the identification image I m , and a first input adjuster 8140 that controls the operation of the first supply unit 4100 based on the detected separation distance D m .

[0123] Also, the first input control unit 8100 uses the separation distance A between the first sensor unit 7100 and the first raw material pile P cm to detect the height H cm of the first raw material pile P cm using a first height detector 8130, senses malfunction of the first sensor unit 7100 using a malfunction determiner 8150, and when it is determined that the first sensor unit 7100 has malfunctioned, uses an identification image I cm to detect the height H d of the first raw material pile P cm using a second height detector 8160, and may be provided with the same. cm Here, the separation distance A between the first sensor unit 7100 and the first raw material pile P

[0124] may mean the separation distance in the vertical direction. cm between the first sensor unit 7100 and the first raw material pile P cm Hereinafter, the image captured by the imaging unit 6000 and before being converted by the identification image generator 8110 is named "captured image I

[0125] ". s

[0126] The imaging unit 6000 can image around the electrode unit 2000. More specifically, the imaging unit 6000 images around the electrode unit 2000 and obtains a captured image I cm including at least one of the electrode unit 2000, the lid 1200 around the electrode unit 2000, and the first raw material pile P s and slag S around the electrode unit 2000 as shown in Fig. 5(a). Here, the components included in the captured image I s , namely, the electrode unit 2000, the lid 1200 around the electrode unit 2000, the first raw material pile P cm around the electrode unit 2000, the background, etc. can be named "objects".

[0127] The identification image generator 8110 generates an identification image from the captured image I s ​Identify the different objects included therein. Then, the identification image generator 8110 generates an identification image I by distinguishing and showing the identified different objects. d More specifically, the identification image generator 8110 identifies the electrode part 2000, the lid 1200 around the electrode part, the pile P of the first raw material s and the slag S, which are different objects included in the captured image I. cm Then, the identification image generator 8110 generates an identification image I as shown in FIG. 5(b) by distinguishing and showing the identified electrode part 2000, lid 1200, pile P of the first raw material cm and slag S. d

[0128] Here, when the identification image generator 8110 distinguishes and shows the identified objects, it may include, for example, marking a line (hereinafter referred to as an identification line) or attaching a mark along the outermost contour part of each identified object. Taking FIG. 5(b) as an example, the identification image generator 8110 marks the respective identification lines L cm , L d1 , L d2 , L d3 , L d4 along the outermost contour parts of the identified electrode part 2000, the lid 1200 around the electrode part, the pile P of the first raw material and the slag S, respectively.

[0129] Generating the identification image I as described above in the identification image generator 8110 can be implemented using a segmentation method by artificial intelligence or deep learning. The segmentation method is a method of extracting objects in units of pixels Pi on the captured image I. That is, when it is desired to know the position where the object is located, the shape of the object, and to which object a certain pixel Pi belongs, etc., it is a method of dividing the image and giving a label to each pixel of the image. d s

[0130] ​​​Thus, identifying or classifying an object using a segmentation method in the identification image generator 8110 can be implemented by deep learning. That is, the identification image generator 8110 learns data obtained by performing the process of extracting and identifying different objects on the captured image by a user or operator dozens, hundreds, or more times to generate the identification image I d and can use the constructed deep learning model.

[0131] The distance detector 8120 detects the separation distance D d between the electrode part 2000 and the first raw material mound P cm on the identification image I m . At this time, when the identification image I d contains a plurality of first raw material mounds P cm , the distance detector 8120 detects the separation distance D cm between the electrode part 2000 and the first raw material mound P m that is located closest to or approaching the electrode part 2000. Also, the distance detector 8120 detects the separation distance D cm between the lower part of the first raw material mound P m and one end of the electrode part 2000. Here, the lower part of the first raw material mound P cm may mean a part or region that abuts on the upper part of the surface of the slag S among the first raw material mounds P cm . More specifically, the distance detector 8120 can detect the separation distance D cm between the location where the first raw material mound P m meets the surface of the slag S and one end of the electrode part 2000. At this time, using the number and size of the pixels Pi located between one end of the identified electrode part and the first raw material mound P d on the identification image I cm , the separation distance D cm between one end of the electrode part 2000 and the first raw material mound P m can be detected.

[0132] One end of the electrode part 2000 and the first raw material mound P detected by the distance detector 8120cm Separation distance D from m is transmitted to the first input adjuster 8140. Then, the first input adjuster 8140 determines the raw material input method based on the detected separation distance D m . Here, the raw material input methods include a method of maintaining the raw material input amount currently input from the first input unit 3100 to the main body unit 1000 (first method), a method of reducing the raw material input amount from the first input unit 3100 (second method), a method of increasing the raw material input amount from the first input unit 3100 (third method), and a method of interrupting the raw material input from the first input unit 3100 (fourth method).

[0133] Therefore, the first input adjuster 8140 determines or selects any one of the above-described first to fourth methods based on the detected separation distance D m . For this purpose, a reference separation distance serving as a criterion for selecting the input method is stored or set in the first input adjuster 8140. The reference separation distance includes a first reference separation distance D t1 , a second reference separation distance D that is even larger than the first reference separation distance D t1 , and may further include a third reference separation distance D that is even smaller than the first reference separation distance D t2 . t1 The first input adjuster 8140 compares the first to third reference separation distances D t3 ~D with the detected separation distance D

[0134] and selects the input method t1 ~D t3 and the detected separation distance D m .

[0135] For example, when the detected separation distance D m is greater than or equal to the first reference separation distance D t1 and less than or equal to the second reference separation distance D t2 , the first input adjuster 8140 determines the input method to maintain the raw material input amount currently input from the first input unit 3100 to the main body unit 1000 (first method).

[0136] As another example, when the detected separation distance D m is greater than or equal to the third reference separation distance D t3 and less than the first reference separation distance D t1 the first input adjuster 8140 determines the input method to reduce the raw material input amount from the first input unit 3100 (second method).

[0137] As yet another example, when the detected separation distance D m exceeds the second reference separation distance D t2 the first input adjuster 8140 determines the input method to increase the raw material input amount from the first input unit 3100 (third method).

[0138] As yet another example, when the detected separation distance D m is less than the third reference separation distance D t3 the first input adjuster 8140 determines the input method to interrupt the raw material input from the first input unit 3100 (fourth method).

[0139] Determining the input method of each raw material of the first input unit 3100 can be implemented for each of the plurality of first input units 3100. That is, a plurality of imaging units 6000 are arranged to image around each of the plurality of first input units 3100. Also, the captured image I s acquired by each imaging unit 6000 is transmitted to the identification image generator 8110 of the first input control unit 8100. Then, the identification image generator 8110 generates an identification image I s for each of the plurality of captured images I d Next, the distance detector 8120 uses each of the plurality of identification images I d to detect the separation distance D d between the electrode unit 2000 and the first raw material pile P cm on each of the identification images I m Therefore, the first input adjuster 8140 can determine the input method for each of the plurality of first input units 3100 using the plurality of detected separation distances D m .

[0140] If the input methods (the second method and the third method) are determined for increasing or decreasing the raw material input amount in the first input regulator 8140, the first input regulator 8140 determines the raw material input amount. That is, when further increasing or decreasing the input amount compared to the amount of raw material currently input from the first input unit 3100, the first input regulator 8140 determines the amount of raw material to be input via the first input unit 3100. At this time, the first input regulator 8140 uses the height of the first raw material pile P cm detected by the first sensor unit 7100 and the first height detector 8130 to determine the amount of raw material to be input via the first input unit 3100.

[0141] FIG. 6(a) is a diagram for explaining a method of detecting the height of the first raw material pile using the first sensor unit and the first height detector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0142] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 6(a), a method of detecting the height H cm of the first raw material pile P cm using the first sensor unit 7100 and the first height detector 8130 according to the embodiment will be described.

[0143] When electromagnetic waves are radiated from the first sensor unit 7100, the electromagnetic waves are reflected from the first raw material pile P cm and then incident on the first sensor unit 7100 again. At this time, the first sensor unit 7100 is disposed such that one end thereof is located at the same height as the lower surface of the lid body 1200. And the first sensor unit 7100 is disposed so as to be located at the central portion in the width direction of the first raw material pile P cm , and in the first raw material pile P cm , the height of the central portion in the width direction of the uppermost layer is the highest.

[0144] The electromagnetic waves radiated from the first sensor unit 7100 are the first raw material pile P cmAt the uppermost layer, after being irradiated at the central portion in the width direction, it is reflected and then enters the first sensor unit 7100 again. In the first sensor unit 7100, using the time when the radiated electromagnetic wave is reflected and enters again, the distance A cm between one end of the first sensor unit 7100 and the peak P of the first raw material cm is calculated or detected. That is, the distance A cm between the central portion in the width direction of the uppermost layer of the peak P of the first raw material and one end of the first sensor unit 7100 cm is detected. The distance A cm between the thus-detected first sensor unit 7100 and the peak P of the first raw material cm is transmitted to the first height detector 8130.

[0145] The first height detector 8130 uses the distance A cm between the first sensor unit 7100 and the peak P of the first raw material cm and the preset height A of the first sensor unit t to detect the height H cm of the peak P of the first raw material. Here, the height A cm of the first sensor unit 7100 may be the distance from the surface of the slag S to one end of the first sensor unit 7100. Such a height A t of the first sensor unit 7100 may be the distance measured from the surface of the slag S to one end of the first sensor unit 7100 using a separately provided sensor unit. To give another example, the height A t of the first sensor unit 7100 may be a preset and stored value. t Also, since one end of the first sensor unit 7100 is disposed so as to be at the same height as the lower surface of the lid body 1200, the height A

[0146] of the first sensor unit 7100 is the same as the height of the lower surface of the lid body 1200 with reference to the surface of the slag S. t is the same as the height of the lower surface of the lid body 1200 with reference to the surface of the slag S.

[0147] The first height detector 8130 is between the first sensor unit 7100 and the peak P of the first raw materialcm Separation distance A from cm and the height A of the first sensor unit 7100 t The difference (A t - A cm ) is calculated. Then, the calculated result value is used as the height H cm of the peak P of the first raw material cm and detected.

[0148] The first input adjuster 8140 determines the amount of raw material to be input through the first input unit 3100 using the height H cm of the peak P of the first raw material detected by the first sensor unit 7100 and the first height detector 8130. At this time, the difference (H cm - H ct ) between the reference height H already set in the first input adjuster 8140 and the height H cm of the peak P of the first raw material detected cm is used to determine the input amount of the raw material. ct- H cm ) is used to determine the input amount of the raw material.

[0149] This will be described with a specific example below. For example, when the separation distance D d between the electrode unit 2000 detected using the identification image I and the peak P of the first raw material cm is greater than or equal to the third reference separation distance D m and less than the first reference separation distance D t3 , the first input adjuster 8140 determines the input method to reduce the input amount of the raw material from the first input unit 3100 (second method). Then, the first input adjuster 8140 determines the input amount of the raw material using the height H t1 of the peak P of the first raw material detected by the first height detector 8130. That is, the difference (H cm - H cm ) between the reference height H and the height H ct of the peak P of the first raw material detected cm is used to determine the input amount of the raw material. At this time, the determined input amount of the raw material is determined to be an even smaller amount compared to the current input amount of the raw material, and the difference in height (H cm - H ct- H cm ) ct- Hcm ) is determined using. That is, the peak P of the detected first raw material cm height H cm and the reference height H ct difference from (H ct- H cm The larger the difference (H cm height H of the peak P of the detected first raw material cm and the reference height H ct difference from (H ct- H cm ), the smaller the determined raw material input amount. Conversely, the smaller the difference (H

[0150] For another example, the separation distance D between the electrode part 2000 detected using the identification image I d and the peak P of the first raw material cm If it exceeds the second reference separation distance D m , the first input adjuster 8140 determines the input method to increase the raw material input amount from the first input unit 3100 (third method). Then, the first input adjuster 8140 uses the height H t2 of the peak P of the first raw material detected by the first height detector 8130 cm to determine the raw material input amount. That is, using the difference between the reference height H cm and the height H ct of the peak P of the detected first raw material cm (H cm H ct- ), the raw material input amount is determined. At this time, the determined raw material input amount is determined to be an even larger amount compared to the current raw material input amount, and is determined using the height difference (H cm H ct- H cm ). And the larger the difference (H cm height Hc of the peak P of the detected first raw material m and the reference height H ct difference from (H ct- H cm ), the larger the determined raw material input amount. Conversely, the smaller the difference (H cm height H of the peak P of the detected first raw material cm and the reference height H ct difference from (H ct- H cmThe smaller [[ID=]], the smaller the raw material input amount is determined to be.

[0151] On the other hand, the first sensor unit 7100 is disposed so as to be closer to the electrode unit 2000 and the exposed slag S than the second sensor unit 7200. And the first sensor unit 7100, which is a distance sensor that emits radar or light, has a relatively higher possibility of being damaged by heat than the imaging unit 6000. And when the first sensor unit 7100 is damaged, there is a risk of malfunction. For this reason, the first sensor unit 7100 and the first raw material pile P detected in the first sensor unit 7100 cm The separation distance A cm There is a risk of error.

[0152] For example, the separation distance A cm between the first sensor unit 7100 and the first raw material pile P measured in the first sensor unit 7100 cm may be excessively large. And when such a result is transmitted to the first height detector 8130, the height H cm of the first raw material pile P detected in the first height detector 8130 cm may be excessively small. This may mean that the height H cm of the first raw material pile P cm is substantially the same as the height of the surface of the slag S.

[0153] Conversely, the separation distance A cm between the first sensor unit 7100 and the first raw material pile P measured in the first sensor unit 7100 cm may be excessively small. And when such a result is transmitted to the first height detector 8130, the height H cm of the first raw material pile P detected in the first height detector 8130 cm may be excessively large. This may mean that the height H cm of the first raw material pile P cm is substantially the same as the lid 1200.

[0154] Thus, when the separation distance A between the first sensor unit 7100 measured by the first sensor unit 7100 and the first raw material pile P cm is excessively large or excessively small, the raw material input amount cannot be determined using this. cm Therefore, the input control unit 8000 according to the embodiment includes a malfunction determination unit 8150 that can determine a malfunction of the first sensor unit 7100. The malfunction determination unit 8150 uses the separation distance A between the first sensor unit 7100 measured or detected by the first sensor unit 7100 and the first raw material pile P

[0155] to determine a malfunction of the first sensor unit 7100. cm For this purpose, a malfunction determination distance that serves as a criterion for determining a malfunction of the first sensor unit 7100 is stored or set in the malfunction determination unit 8150. Here, the malfunction determination distance may include a second malfunction determination distance A that is even larger than the first malfunction determination distance A cm and the first malfunction determination distance A

[0156] The malfunction determination unit 8150 determines that the first sensor unit 7100 is operating normally when the separation distance A between the first sensor unit 7100 detected by the first sensor unit 7100 and the first raw material pile P e1 is greater than or equal to the first malfunction determination distance A e1 and less than or equal to the second malfunction determination distance A e2 However, when the separation distance A between the first sensor unit 7100 detected by the first sensor unit 7100 and the first raw material pile P

[0157] is less than the first malfunction determination distance A cm or exceeds the second malfunction determination distance A cm the malfunction determination unit 8150 determines that the first sensor unit 7100 is malfunctioning. e1 and the second malfunction determination distance A e2 In this case, it is determined that the first sensor unit 7100 is operating normally.

[0158] However, when the separation distance A between the first sensor unit 7100 detected by the first sensor unit 7100 and the first raw material pile P cm is less than the first malfunction determination distance A cm or exceeds the second malfunction determination distance A e1 the malfunction determination unit 8150 determines that the first sensor unit 7100 is malfunctioning. e2 In this case, it is determined that the first sensor unit 7100 is malfunctioning.

[0159] When it is determined in the malfunction determination unit 8150 that the first sensor unit 7100 has malfunctioned, the second height detector 8160 uses the identification image I d to detect the height of the first raw material pile P cm . Referring to FIG. 5(b) for explanation, the second height detector 8160 detects the separation distance between the surface of the slag S and the top layer of the first raw material pile P d above the identification image I, and detects this as the height H m of the first raw material pile P cm . At this time, using the number and size of the pixels Pi located between the surface of the slag S and the top layer of the first raw material pile P cm , the height H cm of the first raw material pile P cm can be calculated. cm

[0160] If the height H cm of the first raw material pile P cm is detected by the second height detector 8160, the first input adjuster 8140 determines the input amount of the raw material using the detected height H cm of the first raw material pile P cm . The method of determining the input amount of the raw material using the height H cm of the first raw material pile P cm detected by the second height detector 8160 is the same as using the height H cm of the first raw material pile P cm detected by the first height detector 8130, so the description thereof is omitted.

[0161] As described above, it is preferentially implemented to measure the height H cm of the first raw material pile P cm using the first sensor unit 7100. When it is determined that the first sensor unit 7100 has malfunctioned, the height H d of the first raw material pile P cm is measured using the identification image I cmIt is measured. This is because it has a higher reliability compared to detecting the height of the raw material pile imaged by the imaging unit 6000 using the first sensor unit 7100 that emits electromagnetic waves or light. However, since the first sensor unit 7100 is more likely to be damaged by heat than the imaging unit 6000, when it is determined that the first sensor unit 7100 has malfunctioned, the height of the raw material pile is measured using the imaging unit 6000.

[0162] Determining the raw material input amount from the first input unit 3100 by the method as described above can be implemented for each of the plurality of first input units 3100. That is, the first height detector 8130 or the second height detector 8160 detects the height for each of the plurality of first raw material piles P cm And for each position of each of the plurality of first input units 3100, the reference height H ct can be set or stored in the first input adjuster 8140. At this time, the reference height H ct for each position of each first input unit 3100 may vary according to the target height of the first raw material pile P cm for each position. Therefore, the first input adjuster 8140 can determine the input amount for each of the plurality of first input units 3100 using the detected height H cm of each of the plurality of first raw material piles P cm . Thereby, the first input adjuster 8140 can control each of the plurality of supply units 4000 so as to be able to input with the input method and input amount determined for each of the plurality of first input units 3100.

[0163] In the above, the separation distance D cm between the electrode unit 2000 and the first raw material pile P m is used to determine the input method from the first input unit 3100, and it was explained that the input amount is determined using the height H cm of the first raw material pile P cm detected by the first height detector 8130 or the second height detector 8160.

[0164] However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and both the charging method and the charging amount can be determined using the separation distance between the electrode portion 2000 and the first raw material mound P cm This will be described below.

[0165] For example, if the detected separation distance D m is greater than or equal to the third reference separation distance D t3 and less than the first reference separation distance D t1 the first charging regulator 8140 determines the charging method (second method) to reduce the raw material charging amount from the first charging unit 3100. Next, the first charging regulator 8140 calculates the difference (D m - D t1 ) between the detected separation distance D m and the first reference separation distance D t1 . Then, the raw material charging amount is determined using the calculated difference value (D m - D t1 ). At this time, the greater the difference (D m - D t1 ) between the detected separation distance D m and the first reference separation distance D t1 , the smaller the determined charging amount. Conversely, the smaller the difference (D m - D t1 ) between the detected separation distance D m and the first reference separation distance D t1 , the larger the determined charging amount.

[0166] As another example, if the detected separation distance D m exceeds the second reference separation distance D t2 the first charging regulator 8140 determines the charging method (second method) to increase the raw material charging amount from the first charging unit 3100. Next, the first charging regulator 8140 calculates the difference (D m - D t2 ) between the detected separation distance D t2 and the second reference separation distance D m . Then, the raw material charging amount is determined using the calculated difference value (D t2 - Dm ) is used to determine the raw material input amount. At this time, the detected separation distance D m and the second reference separation distance D t2 The difference between them (D t2 - D m ) is, the larger it is, the larger the determined input amount is. Conversely, the detected separation distance D m and the second reference separation distance D t2 The difference between them (D t2 - D m ) is, the smaller it is, the smaller the determined input amount is.

[0167] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the second input control unit 8200 uses the second sensor unit 7200 to measure the second raw material peak P sm The separation distance A from sm is used to detect the height H of the second raw material peak P sm of the third height detector 8210 and the third height detector 8210 that detects the height H of the second raw material peak P sm may include a second input adjuster 8220 that controls the operation of the second supply unit 4200 based on the height H sm of the second raw material peak P sm .

[0168] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 6(b), a method for detecting the height H of the second raw material peak P using the second sensor unit 7200 and the third height detector 8220 according to the embodiment will be described. sm of the second raw material peak P sm will be described.

[0169] FIG. 6(b) is a diagram for explaining a method for detecting the height of the second raw material peak using the second sensor unit and the third height detector of the present invention.

[0170] The second sensor unit 7200 is different from the first sensor unit 7100 only in its arrangement position, and measures the distance in the same manner as the first sensor unit 7100. That is, if an electromagnetic wave is radiated from the second sensor unit 7200, the electromagnetic wave will reach the second raw material peak P smis reflected and then enters the second sensor unit 7200 again. At this time, the second sensor unit 7200 is arranged such that one of its ends is located at the same height as the lower surface of the lid body 1200. And the second sensor unit 7200 is arranged to be located at the central portion in the width direction of the mountain P of the second raw material sm and the mountain P of the second raw material sm has the highest height at the central portion in the width direction of its uppermost layer.

[0171] The electromagnetic wave radiated from the second sensor unit 7200 is irradiated onto the uppermost layer of the mountain P of the second raw material sm and then reflected and enters the second sensor unit 7200 again. In the second sensor unit 7200, using the time when the radiated electromagnetic wave is reflected and enters again, the separation distance A sm between one end of the second sensor unit 7200 and the mountain P of the second raw material sm is calculated or detected. That is, the separation distance A sm between the central portion in the width direction of the uppermost layer of the mountain P of the second raw material and one end of the second sensor unit 7200 sm is detected. The separation distance A sm between the detected second sensor unit 7200 and the mountain P of the first raw material sm is transmitted to the third height detector 8210.

[0172] The third height detector 8210 uses the separation distance A sm between the second sensor unit 7200 and the mountain P of the second raw material sm and the height A t of the second sensor unit that has already been set to detect the height H sm of the mountain P of the second raw material. Here, the height A sm of the second sensor unit t may be the same as the height A t of the first sensor unit 7100.

[0173] The third height detector 8210 uses the separation distance A sm between the second sensor unit 7200 and the mountain P of the second raw material sm and the height A of the second sensor unit 7200t The difference from (A t -A sm ) is calculated. Then, the calculated result value is detected as the height H sm of the second raw material pile P sm .

[0174] The second input adjuster 8220 determines the input method and input amount from the second input unit 3200 by using the height H sm of the second raw material pile P sm detected by the second sensor unit 7200 and the third height detector 8210. For this purpose, a reference height that serves as a reference for determining the input method and input amount is set or stored in the second input adjuster 8220.

[0175] Here, the reference height may include a first reference height H st1 , a second reference height H st1 that is n times larger than the first reference height H st2 , and a third reference height H st2 that is even larger than the second reference height H st3 .

[0176] And the raw material input methods include a method (first method) of maintaining the raw material input amount currently input from the second input unit 3200 to the main body unit 1000, a method (second method) of reducing the raw material input amount from the second input unit 3200, a method (third method) of increasing the raw material input amount from the second input unit 3200, and a method (fourth method) of interrupting the raw material input from the second input unit 3200.

[0177] Therefore, the second input adjuster 8220 determines or selects any one of the first to fourth methods based on the detected height H sm of the second raw material pile P sm . That is, the second input adjuster 8220 compares the first to third reference heights H st1 ~H st3 with the detected height H sm of the second raw material pile P sm and selects the input method.

[0178] For example, for the peak P of the detected second raw material sm with height H sm being greater than or equal to the first reference height H st1 and less than or equal to the second reference height H st2 the second input adjuster 8220 determines the input method to maintain the amount of raw material input from the first input unit 3100 to the main body unit 1000 (first method).

[0179] As another example, for the peak P of the detected second raw material sm with height H sm being greater than the second reference height H st2 and less than or equal to the third reference height H st3 the second input adjuster 8220 determines the input method to reduce the amount of raw material input from the second input unit 3200 (second method).

[0180] As yet another example, for the peak P of the detected second raw material sm with height H sm being less than the first reference height H st1 the second input adjuster 8220 determines the input method to increase the amount of raw material input from the second input unit 3200 (third method).

[0181] As yet another example, for the peak P of the detected second raw material sm with height H sm being greater than the third reference height, the second input adjuster 8220 determines the input method to interrupt the input of raw material from the second input unit 3200 (fourth method).

[0182] If the input method (second method and third method) is determined by reducing or increasing the amount of raw material input in the second input adjuster 8220, the second input adjuster 8220 determines the amount of raw material input. That is, when further reducing or increasing the input amount compared to the current amount of raw material input from the second input unit 3200, the second input adjuster 8220 determines the amount of raw material to be input via the second input unit 3200. That is, the second input adjuster 8220 is based on the first and second reference heights H st1, H st2 and the height H of the peak P of the second raw material sm to determine the input amount of the raw material using the difference. cm This will be described below with specific examples. For example, when the height H of the detected peak P of the second raw material

[0183] exceeds the second reference height H sm and is below the third reference height H sm the second input adjuster 8220 determines the input method to reduce the input amount of the raw material from the second input unit 3200 (second method). Then, the second input adjuster 8220 uses the difference between the second reference height H st2 and the detected height H of the peak P of the second raw material st3 to determine the input amount of the raw material. At this time, the determined input amount of the raw material is determined to be an even smaller amount compared to the current input amount of the raw material, and is determined using the height difference (H st2 H sm ). At this time, the larger the difference (H sm H st2- H sm ) between the detected height H of the peak P of the second raw material and the second reference height H, the smaller the determined input amount of the raw material. Conversely, the smaller the difference (H sm H sm H st2 H st2- H sm ) between the detected height H of the peak P of the second raw material and the second reference height H, the larger the determined input amount of the raw material sm H sm H st2 H st2- H sm ).

[0184] Taking another example, when the height H of the detected peak P of the second raw material sm is less than the first reference height H sm the second input adjuster 8220 determines the input method to increase the input amount of the raw material from the second input unit 3200 (third method). Then, the second input adjuster 8220 uses the difference between the first reference height H st1 and the detected height H of the peak P of the second raw material st1 H sm to determine the input amount of the raw material.sm The amount of raw material to be input is determined by the difference between the height difference (H st1- H sm ) is determined using the detected peak P of the second raw material. sm Height H sm and the first reference height H st1 Difference from (H st2- H sm The larger the peak P of the second raw material, the larger the amount of raw material to be input. sm Height H sm and the second reference height H st2 Difference from (H st2- H sm ) is smaller, the smaller the amount of raw material to be added is determined.

[0185] The second input control unit 8200 can adjust the amount of raw material input from the second input unit 3200 by the method described above for each of the multiple second input units 3200. That is, the second input control unit 8200 can control the operation of each of the multiple second supply units 4200 by the same method as the method described above. More specifically, by providing multiple second sensor units 7200, the amount of raw material input from the multiple second supply units 4200 can be adjusted by the method described above. sm The second input adjuster 8220 can detect the height of each of the plurality of second input units 3200. st1 ~H st3 may be set or stored. At this time, the first to third reference heights H st1 ~H st3 is the second raw material mountain P for each position sm Therefore, the second feed regulator 8220 may adjust the height of the second raw material according to the height of the detected second raw material peaks P sm The height H of each smIt is possible to determine the charging method and the charging amount for each of the plurality of second charging units 3200 using this. Further, thereby, the second charging adjuster 8220 can control each of the plurality of second supply units 4200 so that charging can be performed with the charging method and the charging amount determined for each of the plurality of second charging units 3200.

[0186] Thus, in the embodiment, the operation of the first supply unit is controlled using the separation distance between the electrode unit and the first raw material heap. And the operation of the second supply unit is controlled using the height of the second raw material heap.

[0187] Therefore, it can be explained that the charging control unit 8000 controls the first supply unit 3100 and the second supply unit 3200 separately or separately. Also, the first supply unit 3100 is separated from the electrode unit 2000 and the first raw material heap P m and the distance D m is controlled based on this, and the second supply unit 3200 is controlled by the height of the second raw material heap P s Therefore, it can be explained that the data used to control the operation of the first supply unit 3100 is different from the conditions used to control the operation of the second supply unit 3200. That is, the charging control unit 8000 controls the charging of the raw material input into the main body unit 1000 based on the separation distance Dm between the first raw material heap P cm accumulated around the electrode unit 2000 and the electrode unit 2000, and the charging of the raw material input closer to the inner wall of the main body unit 1000 than the electrode unit 2000 is controlled using data different from the separation distance D m It can be explained that this is used.

[0188] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the electrode unit 2000 is disposed at the center in the one-side direction (X-axis direction) of the main body unit 1000 has been described by taking an electric furnace facility as an example.

[0189] However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the electrode unit 2000 may be disposed at various positions inside the main body unit 1000. For example, the electrode unit 2000 may be disposed in the main body unit 1000 so as to be biased to either one side with respect to one side direction (X-axis direction). Also, the electrode unit 2000 may be disposed so as to be located on both sides of the central portion in one side direction (X-axis direction). To give another example, the electrode unit 2000 may be disposed at the central portion in the other side direction (Y-axis direction) of the main body unit 1000, may be disposed so as to be biased to either one side with respect to the other side direction (Y-axis direction), or may be disposed so as to be located on both sides of the central portion in the other side direction (Y-axis direction).

[0190] And the first input unit 3100 is disposed around the electrode unit 2000 that can be disposed at various positions as described above, and the second input unit 3200 may be disposed outside the first input unit 3100 so that the separation distance from the electrode unit 2000 becomes further away than that of the first input unit 3100. Therefore, the positions of the first and second input units 3100 and 3200 can be changed in various ways according to the position of the electrode unit 2000.

[0191] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a method of inputting a raw material into the main body unit using the first input control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0192] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, the operation of the electric furnace facility including the process of inputting a raw material into the main body unit using the first input control unit of the present invention will be described. At this time, descriptions overlapping with the above-described content will be omitted or briefly described. And the case where the electrode unit 2000 is disposed at the central portion in one side direction (X-axis direction) of the main body unit 1000 will be described as an example. Also, the case where the raw material input amount is determined using the height of the first raw material pile will be described as an example.

[0193] For the production of molten metal L, raw materials are introduced into the interior of the main body 1000 using a plurality of input units 3000:3100, 3200 (S100). That is, the adjustment members 4120, 4220 of the respective supply units 4000:4100, 4200 are opened, and the raw materials in the storage units 5100, 5200 are conveyed to the input units 3000:3100, 3200 via the conveying members 4110, 4120. For this reason, the raw material M is introduced into the interior of the main body 1000 via the input units 3000:3100, 3200. Here, the raw material M may contain, for example, direct reduced iron (DRI). And a reducing agent is introduced into the interior of the main body 1000 using a path different from that of the input units 3000:3100, 3200, and the reducing agent may be, for example, a gas containing hydrogen.

[0194] Then, power is applied to the electrode unit 2000. For this reason, the electrode unit 2000 generates resistance due to the slag S and arc resistance to supply thermal energy into the interior of the main body 1000. Therefore, the slag S is heated inside the main body 1000, and the raw material is melted by the heated slag S to produce molten metal.

[0195] In this way, while the molten metal L is being produced, the interior of the main body 1000 is imaged using the imaging unit 6000 (S210). For this reason, for example, an imaging image I as shown in FIG. 5(a) s is acquired. The imaging image I acquired by the imaging unit 6000 s is transmitted to the identification image generator 8110 of the first input control unit 8100.

[0196] The identification image generator 8110 identifies different objects included in the imaging image I s to generate an identification image I d (S220). That is, the identification image generator 8110 identifies the electrode unit 2000, the lid 1200 around the electrode unit 2000, and the first raw material pile P around the electrode unit 2000, which are objects included in the imaging image I s (S220). cmand slag S, etc. are identified. Then, the identification image generator 8110 marks or attaches marks along the outer contours of the identified electrode part 2000, the lid body 1200 around the electrode part 2000, the pile P of the first raw material around the electrode part 2000 cm and the identification lines L d1 , L d2 , L d3 , L d4 to generate an identification image I including the identification lines L d1 , L d2 , L d3 , L d4 , L d .

[0197] Once the identification image I d is generated, it is transmitted to the distance detector 8120. Then, the distance detector 8120 detects the separation distance D d between the electrode part 2000 and the pile P of the first raw material cm on the identification image I (S230). That is, the distance detector 8120 detects the separation distance D m between the lower part of the pile P of the first raw material and one end of the electrode part 2000. More specifically, the distance detector 8120 detects the separation distance between the location where the surface of the slag S and the boundary of the pile P of the first raw material and one end of the electrode part 2000 cm . m . cm .

[0198] Once the separation distance D cm between the electrode part 2000 and the pile P of the first raw material m is detected, the first input adjuster 8140 determines the raw material input method using the detected separation distance D m . That is, the first input adjuster 8140 determines the input method to be one of the first method of maintaining the current raw material input amount from the first input part 3100 to the main body part 1000, the second method of reducing the raw material input amount from the first input part 3100, the third method of increasing the raw material input amount from the first input part 3100, and the fourth method of interrupting the raw material input from the first input part 3100

[0199] For this purpose, the first input regulator 8140 first compares the first and second reference separation distances D t1 , D t2 with the detected separation distance D m (S310). At this time, if the detected separation distance D m is greater than or equal to the first reference separation distance D t1 and less than or equal to the second reference separation distance D t2 (S310 → Yes), the first input regulator 8140 determines, as the input method, a first method of maintaining the raw material input amount currently being input from the first input unit 3100 (S410).

[0200] However, if the detected separation distance D m is not greater than or equal to the first reference separation distance D t1 and less than or equal to the second reference separation distance D t2 (S310 → No), the detected separation distance D m is compared again with the reference separation distance (S320, S330).

[0201] For example, first, it is compared whether the detected separation distance D m is smaller than the first reference separation distance D t1 (S320). At this time, if the detected separation distance D m is less than the first reference separation distance D t1 (S320 → Yes), the detected separation distance D m is compared with a third reference separation distance D t1 that is smaller than the first reference separation distance D t3 (S330). At this time, if the detected separation distance D m is less than the third reference separation distance D m3 (S330 → Yes), the first input regulator 8140 determines, as the input method, a fourth method of interrupting the input of the raw material from the first input unit 3100 (S420). For this reason, the first input regulator 8140 operates the first adjustment member 4120 so that no more raw material is discharged from the first input unit 3100.

[0202] However, the detected separation distance D mis less than the first reference separation distance D t1 In the step (S320) of comparing whether the detected separation distance D m is further less than the first reference separation distance D t1 If it is determined that the detected separation distance D m is not further less than the first reference separation distance D t2 (S320 → No), this means that the detected separation distance D m exceeds the second reference separation distance D t2 (D

[0203] For another example, in step S330, if it is determined that the detected separation distance D m is not less than the third reference separation distance D t3 (S330 → No), this means that the detected separation distance D m is not less than the third reference separation distance D t3 and can be determined to be less than the first reference separation distance D t1 If the detected separation distance D m is determined to be not less than the third reference separation distance D t3 and less than the first reference separation distance D t1 (S330 → No), the first input regulator 8140 determines the input method to the third method of increasing the raw material input amount from the first input unit 3100 (S430).

[0204] The detected separation distance D m and the first to third reference separation distances D t1 、D t2 、D t3 The order of comparison is not limited to the above examples at all, and can be compared according to various orders.

[0205] If the input method is determined for the method of reducing or increasing the raw material input amount, the first input adjuster 8140 determines the amount of raw material to be input via the first input unit 3100. For this purpose, the first sensor unit 7100 emits electromagnetic waves inside the main body unit 1000 and the separation distance A cm from the first sensor unit 7100 to the first raw material pile P cm is detected (S510). The separation distance A cm from the first sensor unit 7100 to the first raw material pile P cm is first transmitted to the malfunction judge 8150. The malfunction judge 8150 compares the detected separation distance A cm with the first and second malfunction judgment distances A e1 , A e2 to judge whether the first sensor unit 7100 has malfunctioned (S520).

[0206] At this time, when the separation distance A cm from the first sensor unit 7100 to the first raw material pile P cm is greater than or equal to the first malfunction judgment distance A e1 and less than or equal to the second malfunction judgment distance A e2 , the malfunction judge 8150 judges that the first sensor unit 7100 is operating normally (S520 → Yes). Then, the first height detector 8130 uses the separation distance A cm detected by the first sensor unit 7100 to detect the height H cm of the first raw material pile P cm (S531).

[0207] The height H cm of the first raw material pile P cm detected by the first height detector 8130 is transmitted to the first input adjuster 8140, and the first input adjuster 8140 calculates the difference (H cm - H cm ) between the detected height H ct of the first raw material pile P and the reference height H ct (S540). cm ) (S540).

[0208] And then, the first input adjuster 8140 calculates the difference in height (Hct -H cm ) is used to determine the amount of raw material to be input into the main body 1000 through the first input unit 3100. That is, the raw material input amount is determined. For example, when the input method is determined to be the second method of reducing the raw material input amount, the first input regulator 8140 adjusts the calculated height difference (H ct -H cm ) to determine the input amount so that the raw material input amount is reduced compared to the current time. Then, the first input regulator 8140 operates the first supply unit 4100 so that the raw material can be input in the determined input amount. Therefore, the raw material is input into the inside of the main body 1000 through the first input unit 3100 in the determined input amount (S100).

[0209] Taking another example, when the input method is determined to be the third method of increasing the raw material input amount, the first input regulator 8140 adjusts the calculated height difference (H ct -H cm ) to determine the input amount so that the raw material input amount is increased compared to the current time. Then, the first input regulator 8140 operates the first supply unit 4100 so that the raw material can be input in the determined input amount. Therefore, the raw material is input into the inside of the main body 1000 through the first input unit 3100 in the determined input amount (S100).

[0210] And in step S520, when the separation distance A cm between the first sensor unit 7100 and the first raw material pile P cm is less than the first malfunction determination distance A e1 or exceeds the second malfunction determination distance A e2 , the malfunction judgment device 8150 determines that the first sensor unit 7100 is malfunctioning (S520 → No). Then, the second height detector 8160 uses the identification image I d to detect the height H cm of the first raw material pile P cm (S532). The detected height H cm of the first raw material pile P cm is used to determine the raw material input amount by the same method as described above.

[0211] In the first input control unit 8100, adjusting the raw material input amount from the first input unit 3100 by the method described above is performed for each of the plurality of first input units 3100. That is, the first input control unit 8100 controls the operations of each of the plurality of first supply units 4100 by a method similar to the method described above.

[0212] More specifically, a plurality of imaging units 6000 are provided to image around each of the plurality of first input units 3100. Also, the captured image I s acquired by each imaging unit 6000 is transmitted to the identification image generator 8110 of the first input control unit 8100. Then, the identification image generator 8110 generates an identification image I s for each of the plurality of captured images I d . Next, the distance detector 8120 uses each of the plurality of identification images I d to detect the separation distance D d between the electrode unit 2000 and the first raw material pile P cm above each identification image I m . Therefore, the first input adjuster 8140 can determine the input method for each of the plurality of first input units 3100 using the detected plurality of separation distances D m . And the first height detector 8130 or the second height detector 8160 detects the height of each of the plurality of first raw material piles P cm . For this reason, the first input adjuster 8140 can determine the input amount for each of the plurality of first input units 3100 using the detected height H cm of each of the plurality of first raw material piles P cm . Also, thereby, the first input adjuster 8140 can control each of the plurality of supply units 4000 so as to be able to input with the input method and input amount determined for each of the plurality of first input units 3100.

[0213] FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a method of inputting raw materials into the main body using the second input control unit of the present invention.

[0214] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6 and FIG. 8, the operation of the electric furnace facility including the process of charging raw materials into the main body using the second charging control unit of the present invention will be described. At this time, descriptions overlapping with those described in FIG. 7 will be omitted or simplified.

[0215] While charging raw materials into the main body 1000 using a plurality of first charging units 3100 and a plurality of second charging units 3200 to produce molten metal L (S10), the second sensor unit 7200 emits electromagnetic waves into the main body 1000 and the second sensor unit 7200 and the mountain P of the second raw material sm the separation distance A sm thereof is detected (S20). Next, the third height detector 8210 uses the separation distance A detected by the second sensor unit 7200 sm to detect the height H sm of the mountain P of the second raw material cm (S30).

[0216] When the height H sm of the mountain P of the second raw material cm is detected, the second charging adjuster 8220 determines the raw material charging method using the detected height H sm of the mountain P of the second raw material cm . That is, the second charging adjuster 8220 determines the charging method to be one of a first method of maintaining the raw material charging amount currently charged from the second charging unit 3200 into the main body 1000, a second method of reducing the raw material charging amount from the second charging unit 3200, a third method of increasing the raw material charging amount from the second charging unit 3200, and a fourth method of interrupting the raw material charging from the second charging unit 3200.

[0217] For this purpose, the second charging adjuster 8220 first compares the first and second reference heights H st1 , H st2 with the detected height H sm of the mountain P of the second raw material cm (S41). At this time, the detected height H sm of the mountain P of the second raw material cm is the first reference height Hst1 equal to or higher than, and the second reference height H st2 If so (S310→Yes), the second input regulator 8220 determines, as the input method, a first method of maintaining the raw material input amount currently input from the second input unit 3200 (S51).

[0218] However, for the detected peak P of the second raw material sm with height H sm is equal to or higher than the first reference height H st1 equal to or higher than, and the second reference height H st2 If not (S41→No), the height H of the detected peak P of the second raw material sm with height H sm is compared again with the reference height (S42, S43).

[0219] For example, first, it is compared whether the height H of the detected peak P of the second raw material sm with height H sm is smaller than the first reference height H st1 (S42). At this time, for the detected peak P of the second raw material sm with height H sm If the height H is smaller than the first reference height H st1 (S42→Yes), the second input regulator 8220 calculates the difference (H st1 - H sm with height H sm ) between the first reference height H st1 and the height H of the peak P of the second raw material sm (S52). Then, the second input regulator 8220 determines, as the input method, a third method of increasing the raw material input amount from the second input unit 3200 (S53). At this time, the second input regulator 8220 determines the raw material input amount using the difference (H st1 - H sm with height H sm ) between the first reference height H st1 and the height H of the peak P of the second raw material sm ). That is, the second input regulator 8220 determines the raw material input amount using the calculated height difference (H st1 - H smBased on [[ID=]], the input amount is determined such that the raw material input amount is increased compared to the current time. Then, the second input adjuster 8220 operates the second supply unit 4200 so that the raw material can be input at the determined input amount. For this reason, the raw material is input into the main body 1000 at the determined input amount through the second input unit 3200 (S100).

[0220] However, for the detected second raw material pile P sm with height H sm if it is not less than the first reference height H st1 (S42 → No), the height H sm of the second raw material pile P sm is compared with the second and third reference heights H st2 , H st3 . That is, it is determined whether the height H sm of the detected second raw material pile P sm exceeds the second reference height H st2 and is less than or equal to the third reference height H st3 (S43). At this time, if the height H sm of the detected second raw material pile P sm exceeds the second reference height H st2 and is less than or equal to the third reference height H st3 (S43 → Yes), the second input adjuster 8220 calculates the difference (H st2 - H sm ) between the second reference height H sm and the height H st2 of the second raw material pile P sm (S54). Then, the second input adjuster 8220 determines the input method to the second method of reducing the raw material input amount from the second input unit 3200 (S55). At this time, the second input adjuster 8220 determines the raw material input amount using the difference (H st2 - H sm ) between the second reference height H sm and the height H st2 of the second raw material pile P sm . That is, the second input adjuster 8220 determines the raw material input amount using the calculated height difference (H st2 - H sm) Based on this, the input amount is determined so that the raw material input amount is reduced compared to the current time. Then, the second input adjuster 8220 operates the second supply unit 4200 so that the raw material can be input at the determined input amount. For this reason, the raw material is input into the main body 1000 through the second input unit 3200 at the determined input amount (S100).

[0221] And the height H sm of the peak P of the second raw material detected in step S43 sm exceeds the second reference height H st2 and is not less than the third reference height H st3 In this case, this means that the height H sm of the peak P of the second raw material sm exceeds the third reference height H st3 (S43 → No). In such a case, the second input adjuster 8220 determines the input method to the fourth method of interrupting the raw material input from the second input unit 3200 (S56). For this reason, the second input adjuster 8220 operates the first adjustment member 4120 so that no more raw material is discharged from the first input unit 3100.

[0222] In the second input control unit 8200, adjusting the raw material input amount from the second input unit 3200 by the method as described above is performed for each of the plurality of second input units 3200. That is, the second input control unit 8200 controls the operation of each of the plurality of second supply units 4200 by the same method as the method described above. More specifically, by arranging a plurality of second sensor units 7200, the height of each of the peaks P of the plurality of second raw materials sm can be detected. Therefore, the second input adjuster 8220 determines the height H sm of each of the detected peaks P of the plurality of second raw materials smUsing this, it is possible to determine the charging method and the charging amount for each of the plurality of second charging units 3200. Further, thereby, the second charging regulator 8220 can control each of the plurality of second supply units 4200 so as to be able to charge with the charging method and the charging amount determined for each of the plurality of second charging units 3200.

[0223] According to the present invention, the separation distance D between the electrode unit 2000 and the raw material pile m can be detected. Then, based on the detected separation distance D between the electrode unit 2000 and the raw material pile m the charging of the raw material can be controlled. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the electrode unit 2000 from coming into contact with the raw material pile. Therefore, when power is applied to the electrode unit 2000, it is possible to prevent current hunting from occurring in the electrode unit 2000. That is, when power is applied to the electrode unit 2000, a uniform current can be made to flow through the electrode unit 2000. Therefore, the raw material can be uniformly heated, and thereby, uniform operation can be performed. Further, it is possible to prevent the problem that the operation rate of the electric furnace facility and the productivity of the molten metal decrease due to hunting. Therefore, the operation rate of the electric furnace facility and the productivity of the molten metal can be improved.

[0224] Also, the electrode unit and the raw material pile can be adjusted to be separated by an appropriate distance so that the slag can be exposed with an appropriate area. Therefore, it is possible to suppress or prevent heat loss and refractory erosion due to the exposed slag.

[0225] And the height of the plurality of raw material piles can be detected, and the charging of the raw material can be controlled based on the detected height. Therefore, each of the plurality of raw material piles formed inside the main body unit 1000 can be formed to a target height.

Industrial Applicability

[0226] According to the present invention, the separation distance between the electrode part and the raw material pile can be detected. And based on the detected separation distance between the electrode part and the raw material pile, the input of the raw material can be controlled. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the electrode part from contacting the raw material pile. Therefore, when power is applied to the electrode part, it is possible to prevent current hunting from occurring in the electrode part. For this reason, a uniform current can flow through the electrode part. Therefore, the raw material can be heated uniformly, and thereby, uniform operation can be performed. Also, it is possible to prevent the problem that the operation rate of the electric furnace facility and the productivity of the molten metal decrease due to hunting. Therefore, the operation rate of the electric furnace facility and the productivity of the molten metal can be improved.

Explanation of Signs

[0227] 1000 Main body part 1100 Furnace body 1100A Outer wall body 1100B Inner wall body 1110 Window 1111 Hole 1200 Cover body 2000 Electrode part 3000 Input part 3100 First input part 3200 Second input part 4000 Supply part 4100 First supply part 4110 First conveying member 4120 First adjusting member 4200 Second supply part 4210 Second conveying member 4220 Second adjusting member 5000 Storage part 5100 First storage part 5200 Second storage part 6000 Imaging part 7000, 7100, 7200 Sensor part 8000 Input control part 8100 First input control part 8110 Identification image generator 8120 Distance Detector 8130 First Height Detector 8140 First Input Regulator 8150 Malfunction Judger 8160 Second Height Detector 8200 Second Input Control Unit 8210 Third Height Detector 8220 Second Input Regulator A e1 First Malfunction Judgment Distance A e2 Second Malfunction Judgment Distance A cm Separation Distance A t Height of the Second Sensor Unit D m Separation Distance D t1 First Reference Separation Distance D t2 Second Reference Separation Distance D t3 Third Reference Separation Distance H cm Heap P of Raw Material cm Height of H st1 First Reference Height H st2 Second Reference Height H st3 Third Reference Height I d Identification Image I s Captured Image L Molten Metal L d1 、L d2 、L d3 、L d4 Identification Line M Raw Material P m: P cm 、P sm Heap of Raw Material S Slag

Claims

1. A main body having an internal space capable of processing raw materials, An electrode part installable in the internal space of the main body, A charging part disposed on the main body so that raw materials can be charged into the internal space of the main body, An imaging part disposed on the main body so as to be able to image around the electrode part in the internal space of the main body, Using the captured image obtained by the imaging unit, the distance (D ｍ ) between the mound of raw material formed by piling up the raw material around the electrode unit and the electrode unit is detected, and based on the detected distance (D ｍ ), an input control unit that controls the input of the raw material input from the input unit to the main body unit An electric furnace facility characterized by comprising the above.

2. A supply part connected to the charging part, capable of supplying raw materials to the charging part and capable of adjusting the amount of raw materials supplied to the charging part, The input control unit controls the operation of the supply unit based on the detected separation distance (D ｍ ), and the electric furnace facility according to claim 1, characterized in that.

3. The input control unit controls the input of the raw material input into the main body based on the separation distance (D ｍ ) between the electrode part and the heap of the raw material piled around the electrode part, and controls the input of the raw material to be input closer to the inner wall of the main body than the electrode part using data different from the separation distance (D ｍ ). The electric furnace facility according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that.

4. The main body includes a furnace body having the internal space and a lid covering the upper part of the furnace body, The electrode part and the charging part are disposed so as to penetrate the lid in the vertical direction, The electric furnace facility according to claim 3, wherein the imaging part is disposed on a side wall of the furnace body so as to be able to image the internal space of the main body.

5. A hole is provided in the side wall of the furnace body so as to penetrate the side wall in the thickness direction, The imaging part is inserted into the hole, A light-transmitting window is disposed at one end of the hole facing the internal space of the furnace body, The electric furnace facility according to claim 4, wherein the imaging part is disposed to face the window.

6. The electric furnace facility according to claim 4, wherein the imaging part is obliquely disposed such that the height gradually decreases as it advances toward one end facing the internal space.

7. The charging part, A first charging part disposed so as to be arranged around the electrode part, A second charging part disposed outside the first charging part such that the distance from the electrode part is further than that of the first charging part, Comprising, The electric furnace facility according to claim 4, wherein the imaging part is disposed so as to be able to acquire an imaging image including a first pile of raw materials formed inside the main body when raw materials are charged from the first charging part and the electrode part.

8. The supply part, A first supply part for supplying raw materials to the first charging part, A second supply part for supplying raw materials to the second charging part, Comprising, The input control part, Using the captured image, a separation distance (D ｍ ) between the electrode part and the peak of the first raw material is detected, and a first input control unit that controls the operation of the first supply unit using the detected separation distance (D ｍ ); A second input control part for controlling the operation of the second supply part, The electric furnace facility according to claim 7, characterized by comprising the above.

9. The first input control part, An identification image generator that identifies the electrode portion and the mound of the first raw material on the captured image and generates an identification image in which the identified electrode portion and the mound of the first raw material are distinguished; A distance detector that detects the separation distance (D ｍ ) between the electrode portion and the peak of the first raw material using the identification image A first input adjuster that controls the operation of the first supply unit based on the separation distance (D ｍ ) detected by the distance detector; comprising; The first input regulator uses the detected separation distance (D ｍ ) and a previously set reference separation distance to determine the method of feeding raw materials from the first input section to be any one of maintaining the feed rate, increasing the feed rate, decreasing the feed rate, and stopping the feed. The electric furnace facility according to claim 8, characterized in that.

10. A first sensor unit disposed on one side of the first charging unit so as to be able to detect the separation distance between the mound of the first raw material and the lid; The first input control unit includes a first height detector that detects the height (H ｃｍ ) of the first raw material pile using the separation distance between the first raw material pile detected by the first sensor unit and the lid When the input method from the first input regulator is determined to be either an increase in the input amount or a decrease in the input amount from the first input unit, the height (H ｃｍ ) of the first raw material pile is used to determine the input amount of the raw material to be input through the first input unit. The electric furnace facility according to claim 9, characterized in that.

11. The first input control unit includes a second height detector that detects the height (H ｃｍ ) of the pile of the first raw material using the identification image. When the charging method from the first charging regulator is determined to be either an increase in the charging amount or a decrease in the charging amount from the first charging unit, the height (H ｃｍ of the peak of the first raw material is used to determine the charging amount of the raw material to be charged through the first charging unit. The electric furnace facility according to claim 9, characterized in that.

12. When the charging method from the first charging unit is determined to be either an increase in the charging amount or a decrease in the charging amount, the first charging regulator uses the difference between the detected separation distance (D ｍ ) and the reference separation distance to determine the charging amount of the raw material to be charged through the first charging unit. The electric furnace facility according to claim 9, characterized in that.

13. A second sensor unit disposed on one side of the second charging unit so as to be able to detect the separation distance between the mound of the second raw material formed inside the main body portion and the lid when the raw material is charged from the second charging unit; The second charging control unit; A third height detector that detects the height (H ｓｍ ) of the peak of the second raw material using the separation distance between the peak of the second raw material detected in the second sensor unit and the lid Based on the height (H ｓｍ ) of the detected peak of the second raw material, a second input adjuster that controls the operation of the second supply unit so as to be able to adjust at least one of the presence or absence of input of the raw material from the second input unit and the input amount of the raw material. The electric furnace facility according to claim 8, characterized by comprising.

14. The process of charging raw materials into the electric furnace; The process of supplying power to the electrode portion disposed inside the electric furnace to melt the raw materials; The process of imaging the inside of the electric furnace and obtaining a captured image including the electrode portion and the mound of raw materials accumulated around the electrode portion; A process of detecting a separation distance (D ｍ ) between the electrode portion and the raw material mound using the captured image, and The separation distance (D ｍ ) between the detected electrode part and the raw material pile is used to control the process of inputting the raw material input around the electrode part, and A method for producing molten metal, characterized by including.

15. The process of detecting the separation distance (D ｍ ) between the electrode part and the raw material pile is as follows: The process of identifying the electrode portion and the mound of raw materials on the captured image and generating an identification image in which the identified electrode portion and the mound of raw materials are distinguished and shown; The process of detecting the separation distance (D ｍ ) between the electrode part identified on the identification image and the raw material mound, and The method for producing molten metal according to claim 14, characterized by including.

16. The process of controlling the charging of the raw materials input around the electrode portion is: Based on the detected separation distance (D ｍ ) between the detected electrode part and the raw material heap, a process of determining an input method as any one of input amount maintenance, input amount increase, input amount decrease, and input suspension, and The process of charging raw materials around the electrode portion by the determined charging method; The method for producing molten metal according to claim 15, characterized by including.

17. Including the process of detecting the height of the mound of raw materials, When the charging method is determined to be either an increase in the charging amount or a decrease in the charging amount in the process of determining the charging method, the process of controlling the charging of the raw materials input around the electrode portion is: Including the process of determining the charging amount of the raw materials using the detected height of the mound of raw materials, The method for producing molten metal according to claim 16, characterized in that when charging the raw materials by the determined charging method, charging is performed with the determined charging amount of the raw materials.

18. The process of detecting the height of the mound of raw materials is: The process of irradiating the mound of raw materials with electromagnetic waves or light using a sensor unit disposed above the mound of raw materials and detecting the separation distance between the sensor unit and the mound of raw materials; The process of detecting the height (H ｃｍ ) of the raw material pile using the detected separation distance between the sensor unit and the raw material pile, and The method for producing molten metal according to claim 17, characterized by including.

19. including a process of determining whether there is a malfunction in the sensor unit, The process of determining whether there is a malfunction in the sensor unit is, including a process of comparing the detected separation distance between the sensor unit and the raw material pile with a preset malfunction determination distance to determine whether there is a malfunction in the sensor unit, When it is determined that the sensor unit has malfunctioned, the process of detecting the height (H ｃｍ ) of the raw material pile includes the process of detecting the height (H ｃｍ ) of the raw material pile identified on the identification image. The method for producing molten metal according to claim 18, characterized in that.

20. In the process of determining the charging method, when the charging method is determined to be either an increase in the charging amount or a decrease in the charging amount, the process of controlling the charging of the raw material charged around the electrode unit is, The process of determining the input amount of the raw material using the difference between the detected separation distance (D ｍ ) between the electrode part and the raw material pile and a previously set reference separation distance is included. The method for producing molten metal according to claim 16, wherein when charging the raw material according to the determined charging method, the raw material is charged in the determined charging amount.

21. Using data different from the detected separation distance (D ｍ ) between the electrode part and the raw material heap, the method for producing molten metal according to claim 14, characterized by including a process of charging the raw material at a position closer to the inner wall of the electric furnace than the electrode part.

22. The height (H ｓｍ ) of the second raw material heap formed inside the electric furnace so as to be farther from the electrode part than the first raw material heap which is the heap of the raw materials piled around the electrode part is detected; The height (H ｓｍ ) of the second raw material pile formed inside the electric furnace such that the distance from the electrode part is further than that from the peak of the first raw material pile is detected; The height (H ｓｍ ) of the detected peak of the second raw material and the magnitude relationship with the already set reference height are used to determine the input method as any one of input amount maintenance, input amount increase, input amount decrease, and input stop, and The process of determining the input amount of the raw material using the difference between the height (H ｓｍ ) of the detected peak of the second raw material and the reference height, including, The process of charging the raw material at a position farther from the electrode part than the peak of the first raw material includes the process of charging the raw material by the charging method and the charging amount determined by the height (H ｓｍ ) of the peak of the second raw material. The method for producing molten metal according to claim 21, characterized in that it includes this process.

23. The method for producing molten metal according to any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein the raw material includes hydrogen direct reduced iron reduced by hydrogen.

Images