ABSTRACT
Following the energy crisis of the seventies, Electricite de France (EDF) enhanced the performance of its electricity production resources mainly by developing its nuclear power plants. In the eighties, this led to electric power being competitive in comparison with fossil fuels. In this context the EDF study and research division turned its attention to developing the use of new electrical techniques. Together with a plasma generator manufacturer, EDF began installation of high-power plasma torches in its industrial customers’ existing processes, in order to improve their performances. The Sept-Fons foundry of the «Automobiles PEUGEOT» Group, produces special cast irons in cupola furnaces using new cast iron and scrap iron. «Automobiles PEUGEOT» took the decision to modernise a cupola furnace in order to reduce cast iron production costs and the release of smoke into the atmosphere. The purpose of installing a plasma torch on the cupola furnace air box is to raise the blast temperature from 500 °C to 1000 °C.
