In the smelting of ferrosilicon and its silicon alloys, an arc operation under flux is used. The electrodes are accordingly inserted into the "crucible" formed by the smelting products, and most of the energy is released here.
The melting process in the furnace takes place mainly in a "crucible" next to the electrode. In the upper part of the "crucible" there is a "crucible" lid formed by a cold material. The wall of the crucible and the lid of the crucible are continuously melted, and under the influence of the gravity of the charge, they are replaced by a new material on top. Therefore, the "crucible" cannot be considered as a solidified container under the electrode, but as a high-temperature reaction zone that quickly forms in the lower part of the electrode. At high temperatures in the furnace, the bottoms of the three "crucibles" are combined into one whole, forming a single charge "crucible". The lower part of this "crucible" is a gas cavity. The distance between the electrode and the melt (bottom of the crucible) is about 300 mm.
When the furnace rotates, the electrode acts on the charge like ploughing, doubling the reaction zone, the furnace discharge is smooth, the excess amount of reducing agent can be less, and a low-grade reducing agent can be used. Because the electrodes are inserted deep and the furnace bottom is well heated, the slag is discharged smoothly and the carbides are thoroughly destroyed, which improves the condition of the furnace and extends the life of the furnace lining.