A VAR (Vacuum Arc Remelting) furnace operates by continuously remelting a consumable electrode using an arc under vacuum conditions. This process is controlled by advanced computer systems to ensure precise process parameters and high-quality metal production.
5 Key Steps Explained
1. Electrode and Arc Formation
The process begins with a consumable electrode, which is the material to be remelted.
DC power is applied to strike an arc between this electrode and the baseplate of a copper mold.
The mold is surrounded by a water jacket to cool and solidify the molten metal as it forms the ingot.
2. Vacuum Environment
The entire process takes place under a high vacuum.
This vacuum environment is crucial as it prevents contamination from atmospheric gases and facilitates the removal of dissolved gases and impurities from the metal.
This leads to a significant improvement in the metal's purity and cleanliness.
3. Computer Control and Automation
Modern VAR furnaces are highly automated, utilizing computer systems to control various parameters such as the remelting rate, arc gap, and electrode weight.
These systems ensure precise control over the process, enhancing the reproducibility and quality of the ingots produced.
An operator interface PC (OIP) serves as the master control, allowing operators to monitor and adjust the process as needed.
4. Advantages of VAR
The VAR process offers several advantages including the removal of dissolved gases like hydrogen and nitrogen.
It also reduces trace elements with high vapor pressure and improves oxide cleanliness.
VAR enables directional solidification of the ingot from bottom to top, which helps avoid macro-segregation and reduces micro-segregation.
Additionally, VAR requires the lowest energy input among all remelting processes and is completely ceramic-free.
5. Quality and Reproducibility
Continuous improvements in the design and control of VAR furnaces, particularly in computer control and regulation, have led to better quality and reproducibility of the metallurgical properties of the products.
This close control of all remelting parameters ensures the production of homogeneous ingots that are free of macro segregation and have a controlled solidification structure.
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