Distributed Fiber Optic Sensors for Applications in Electric Arc Furnaces

This study presents the application of three distinct fiber optic sensor (FOS) technologies for temperature monitoring during Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) operations. This work looks into the application of fiber Bragg grating (FBG), Brillouin-based, and Rayleigh-based distributed FOS technologies. Through the deployment of these sensors in steel mills, we have successfully achieved distributed temperature monitoring within the bottom anode and side walls of the EAF. Our approach involves data collection from mock foundry trials and real-world EAF operations in a steel mill. The real-time temperature monitoring of the EAF's bottom anode provides insights for early detection of temperature anomalies in the refractory layer, while the monitoring of the side wall is primarily for pinpointing hotspots within the furnace wall for effective and efficient water-spray cooling. The integration of these advanced FOS technologies brings forth a transformative solution for the steel-making industry. By providing real-time, distributed temperature profiles and enabling proactive anomaly detection, our work contributes to enhanced operational efficiency and, more critically, improved safety in EAF facilities. This research not only showcases the potential of FOS applications but also demonstrates their ability to facilitate timely interventions in the high-temperature, high-stress environment of EAFs, ultimately bolstering overall steel production and safety standards in steel mills.