How to select the cable for the converter ladle car in steel mills?
Transforming and selecting the appropriate cable for the converter ladle car in steel mills is crucial due to the harsh operating conditions, including high temperatures, mechanical stress, and exposure to molten metal. Here’s a structured approach:
1. Key Considerations for Cable Selection
High Temperature Resistance: Must withstand radiant heat (up to 200°C or higher near ladles).
Mechanical Durability: Resistance to abrasion, crushing, and frequent movement.
Flexibility: Continuous movement requires highly flexible conductors (e.g., fine-stranded copper).
Flame Retardancy & Non-Halogen: To prevent toxic fumes in case of fire (e.g., LSZH or LFH cables).
Chemical/Oil Resistance: Exposure to slag, lubricants, and cooling agents.
Voltage & Current Rating: Matches the converter ladle car’s power requirements (typically 600V–1kV for motors and controls).
2. Recommended Cable Types
Power Cables:
Rubber-insulated cables (e.g., HO7RN-F, H07BQ-F): Highly flexible, oil-resistant.
Silicone Rubber Cables: For extreme heat (>180°C).
Mining/Portable Feeder Cables (e.g., DLO Cable per UL 1277): Heavy-duty, crush-resistant.
Control & Data Cables:
CY/SY screened cables: For signal integrity in EMI-heavy environments.
PUR-sheathed cables: Abrasion-resistant for drag chains.
3. Cable Transformation (Modification/Installation)
Shielding: Use braided or foil shielding for EMI protection (critical near converters).
Armoring: Steel wire armoring (SWA) for crush resistance if not already present.
Cooling Systems: For extreme heat zones, consider:
Thermal wraps/reflective tapes.
Air- or water-cooled conduits (in extreme cases).
Reeling Systems: For long-travel ladle cars, use spring-loaded or motorized cable reels to prevent tangling.
4. Installation Best Practices
Avoid Direct Heat Exposure: Route cables away from molten metal splashes using heat shields.
Use Drag Chains/Cable Carriers: For continuous flexing (e.g., Igus Chainflex®).
Redundancy: Critical signals/power lines should have backup cables.
Regular Inspection: Check for brittleness, cracks, or insulation degradation.
5. Example Specifications
| Application | Cable Type | Key Features |
| Power Supply | H07RN-F / DLO Cable | Oil-resistant, flexible, 600–1kV |
| Control Signals | CY/SY + PUR Jacket | EMI shielded, abrasion-resistant |
| High-Temperature Zone | Silicone Rubber Cable | 200°C+ rated, flame retardant |
6. Compliance & Standards
International: IEC 60204 (Machinery), IEC 60332 (Flame Retardant).
Regional: UL 1277 (DLO), EN 50214 (Rubber Flex Cables).