Advances in Electric Arc Furnace Steelmaking Technologies using Cheaper Input Materials, Less Energy: Prospects a Challenges

摘要

About 35% of the world crude steel production is obtained through EAF route. In the recent times, steelmaking through electric arc furnaces are gaining popularity due to environmental consideration. Traditionally, only steel scrap was used as input charge material. In the developing economy as in India, availability of scrap is the biggest constraint for EAF steelmaking. Thus in India, appropriate technologies are developed to charge various alternative materials such as pig iron, Direct Reduced Iron (DRI), hot metal, iron nuggets, etc. Engineering challenges are faced to incorporate such technologies in the existing EAF. This paper deals with some specific examples where appropriate technologies will be utilised to feed various raw materials to reduce cost of steelmaking and make EAF route competitive.