This paper proposes an array sensing methodology with differential magnetic field for electrode tip position in
different smelting periods for high-power submerged arc furnace (SAF). According to the difference of magnetic
field distribution between the electrode zone and the arc zone, the magnetic field radiation model of SAF
is constructed, and the array detection system of differential magnetic field is designed and developed. The
magnetic field distribution information of electrode zone and arc zone is collected on the electrode line of SAF.
The test curve appears to be consistent with theoretical simulation result which indicates that the peak point of
the magnetic field distribution curve on the electrode line is near the electrode tip of SAF. Compared with the
single-point detection method of differential magnetic field, this method shows higher performance in accuracy
and real-time, which should make an important contribution to the measurement of electrode tip position.