Optimizing Induction Furnace Parameters Using TOPSIS
Among all the metal industries, the iron and steel industries are the most energy intensive sectors in India. Worldwide the use of induction furnaces in steel industries especially in foundries has increased exponentially. A great deal of research is dedicated to identify the factors that affect the performance of the furnace. It is observed that quantity of molten metal produced per batch, average time required for production per batch, electricity consumption per ton ,raw material in ratio, power supply on and off time, thickness of refractory lining are some of the crucial factors that are responsible for improving the productivity of Induction Furnace. This paper presents the results of a study where an attempt is made to optimize the specific energy consumption and alternatively productivity. The correlation between various parameters was found in order to optimize the results. To get the optimum results TOPSIS was applied .Finally, the results of the study confirm the common connotation that less specific energy consumption leads to more productivity. Academicians and practitioners could use the results as a guideline for studying effects of various induction furnace parameters