In the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF), recycled steel scrap is melted and converted into high quality steel by using high-power electric arcs. The main task of most modern EAFs is to convert the solid raw materials to liquid crude steel as fast as possible and then refine further in subsequent secondary steelmaking processes. Nevertheless, if time is available, almost any metallurgical operation may be performed during flat bath operation period (after melting), which is usually performed as a pre-treatment to the secondary steelmaking operations.
This module introduces the equipment, raw materials and processes used to produce steel in the EAF, finishing with a simulation, which allows you to put all this in practice and melt your own cast.
Learning Outcomes for this Section
After completing this section, you should be able to:
- List and explain the functions of the key components of the electric arc furnace
- Describe a typical power schedule for a 2-basket operation
- Identify a range of different types of steel scrap
- Explain the key considerations behind the loading of scrap baskets
- Explain the advantages of slag foaming and how it is achieved
- Describe the important chemical reactions that take place during the refining stage of the process
- Explain strategies for maximizing alloy yield
- Successfully run a simulation of the EAF by selecting, melting and refining scrap materials to attain a target composition and temperature
See Also
- Basic Oxygen Steelmaking > Basic Oxygen Steelmaking: Introduction
External Links
World Steel Association, MATTER and their partners are not responsible for the content of external sites.
Authors/Contributors:
- Mårten Görnerup, Metsol
- Svetlana Poliakova, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm