The term “Submerged Arc Furnace Transformer” (SAF transformer) is exclusively used in the ferroalloy and ferrosilicon industry. It refers to transformers designed for furnace electrodes submerged under load, facilitating processes around the electrode tips. SAF transformers typically operate continuously under load, with relatively low impedance, connecting small voltages to the electrodes.
These transformers often have multiple voltage steps with small intervals between them and are usually configured as three single-phase transformers rather than integrated three-phase transformers. Power is transferred to the furnace electrodes through copper tubes.
Challenges such as electrodynamic fluctuations, thermal shocks, high current harmonics, and low power factor are prominent in SAF transformer operation. This necessitates special attention in design, material selection, and construction to ensure reliable performance in the demanding environment of the ferroalloy and ferrosilicon industry.