Large Components Fabrication of VD Furnace

The 50-ton VD furnace assemblies we made for a steel mill were delivered smoothly, and the processing quality was confirmed by the customer.

How is the furnace fabricated?

The VD (Vacuum Degassing) furnace's fabrication is the furnace shell, vacuum chamber, electrode system, and other components. Here is an overview of how the VD furnace is fabricated:

• Fabrication of the furnace shell: The furnace shell is typically made of steel plates that are welded together to create a cylindrical shape. The plates are cut to size using a plasma cutter or other cutting tools and are then welded together using a welding machine. The shell is then painted and insulated with refractory bricks to protect against heat loss.
• Fabrication of the vacuum chamber: The vacuum chamber is a critical component of the VD furnace and is typically made of a high-strength steel alloy that is resistant to deformation under high vacuum. The chamber is welded together from several individual sections and is then tested for leaks using a helium leak detector. Once the chamber is confirmed to be leak-free, it is connected to the furnace shell and other components.
• Fabrication of the electrode system: The electrode system typically consists of a set of graphite electrodes connected to a power supply and submerged into the molten steel during the degassing process. The electrodes are cut to the required length and shape using a graphite cutting machine and are then fitted with a water-cooled holder that allows for precise positioning of the electrodes in the furnace.
• Fabrication of the control system: The control system for the VD furnace is typically a computer-based system that monitors and controls various parameters of the process, such as temperature, pressure, and gas flow rate. The control system is built from off-the-shelf components, such as sensors, valves, and controllers, and is programmed to automate the VD process.
• Assembly: Once the individual components have been fabricated, they are assembled to create the final VD furnace. This process involves connecting the various components together, installing the electrode system, and attaching the vacuum pump and control system.

Fabrication Process

The fabrication processes involved in the fabricating of the VD (Vacuum Degassing) furnace include the following:

• Cutting: Cutting is a process used to shape and size various components of the furnace, such as the furnace shell, vacuum chamber, and electrodes. Cutting processes can include plasma cutting, laser cutting, and waterjet cutting, among others.
• Welding: Welding is a process used to join various components of the furnace, such as the individual plates of the furnace shell or the sections of the vacuum chamber. Welding processes can include arc welding, MIG welding, and TIG welding, among others.
• Machining: Machining is a process used to create precise shapes and sizes of various components, such as the water-cooled holders for the graphite electrodes. Machining processes can include milling, drilling, and turning, among others.
• Painting: Painting is a process used to protect the furnace shell from corrosion and to improve its appearance. Painting processes can include spray painting and electrostatic painting, among others.
• Testing: Testing is a process used to verify the performance and quality of the various components of the furnace, such as the vacuum chamber and electrode system. Testing processes can include pressure testing, leak testing, and functional testing, among others.

The fabrication of a VD furnace requires a combination of specialized skills and equipment to create a high-quality product that meets the specific requirements of the customer. It requires a high degree of precision and expertise, as the various components must be built to exacting standards in order to produce high-quality metal products.

Openex specializes in custom metal fabrication for industrial and commercial. Our skilled technicians provide a range of services, including welding, cutting, and finishing, to create metal products that meet your exact specifications. Contact us at sales3@openex.com.cn to learn how we can help.