DEVELOPMENTS IN THE REFRACTORY TECHNOLOGY OF ELECTRIC ARC FURNACES IN THE LAST DECADE

摘要

The development of refractories for EAF in the last decade is strongly influenced by the rising demand of the steel makers in terms of cost / performance ratio, flexibility and reliability. MgO-C refractory linings are nowadays almost completely based on fused MgO with carbon contents between 10 and 15 % while only some years ago only the hot-spot area was lined with these highest-grade materials. However, although the materials have become more precious, the prices for MgO-C bricks have fallen dramatically in the same period of time. The relation between steel maker and refractory producer is not just a commercial but a comprehensive technical one. In general, there is a tendency in the attitude of refractory customers in steel plants to lower their refractory costs rather by using top quality grades with corresponding top performance than cheap products with poor performance. Constant communication and solving problems on a technical basis lead to satisfied customers and competent refractory producers and mutual benefits.