Electric arc furnace

EAF PROCESS OF STEEL MAKING

y Done by help of electric arc furnace

by melting scrap y Raw materials used are mostly scrap, some cold pig iron, and direct reduced iron such that waste iron can be recycled y Production of steel making through it is relatively higher than BOF process electric arc furnace

Cont ..
y Here 100%scrap steel is charged to furnace. In

the process ,oxygen is also injected and flux added to control C content and remove impurities. y Thus high quality steel are produced so with scrap charge direct reduced iron (DRI) and iron carbide are added. y In 1996 39%of total production is produced by EAF process. y Energy required is 640 Kwh

MECHANISM OF EAF
y Consist of refractory lined haerth,vertical cylindrical

sidewalls, and removable roof. y Graphite electrodes are used to provide energy via electric current through transformers attached to the electrodes.

Special features
y Ultra high power transformers are used y y y y y

600-1000kva/ton Water cooled side walls used to reduce refractory cost Oxy-fuel burners ere used to improve melting efficiency Oxygen injection for cutting scrap Decarburization reduces refining time Lime injection used to reduce heat loss

Advantages
y Low investments requirements y Improved technology which has

reduced production costs y Lower price of steel scrap relative to BOH process y High capacity of furnace 10 to 400 tons