After all this time. Sir Henry may get a run for his money

摘要

Steelmakers around the world are watching with interest as competing processes are installed and altered, all attempting to improve or displace the blast furnace/ basic oxygen furnace (BOF) combination or the scrap-melting electric-arc furnace (EF). The blast furnace/BOE, which still dominates world production statistics, is characterized by large capital costs and dependence on quality raw materials for optimal cost and productivity. The EF has lower capital costs, but without substantial dilution of the scrap charge with virgin iron units there are important product limitations. How to acquire and deliver those virgin iron units is currently the focus of EF steelmakers in the United States. Both Nucor Corp., Charlotte, N.C., and Steel Dynamics Inc. (SDI), Fort Wayne, Ind., have acquired positions in the scrap supply system, undoubtedly hoping to assure supply and stabilize a volatile quality and cost input.