EAF Electric Arc Furnace

• A major difference between the compared electric arc furnace EAF melting process is the ability to use differing quality charge materials. Oxidation and reduction reactions take place within and above the melt zone during electric arc furnace steelmaking, which allows for the usage of highly oxidized and low-quality scrap material. Induction furnaces are more sensitive to low-quality charge materials and contaminants, resulting in premium scrap costs. A reductive atmosphere is not present and therefore iron oxide will not be reduced. This increases iron loss through the slag. Another charge material difference between the EAF melting process is the cost of alloys and nonmetallic additions. An induction furnace operation uses a high-grade silicon carbide to adjust iron chemistry. In addition, pure carbon in the form of graphite is used for carburization. These additions are costs not required for the EAF.

• EAF furnace process operation with state-of-the-art equipment has the following labour requirements: two EAF operators, one charge crane operator, and one foreman. This results in five workers per shift. A medium-frequency melt system's labour requirements are: two electrode arc furnace operators, two charger and crane operators, and one supervisor. Five workers per shift are required for melting within the outlined operation.

• Thanks to faster equipment movements of the electric arc furnace for steel making including continuous casting furnace, EAF is advantageous for power-of-time in one-heat. Additionally, with chemical energy input by supersonic oxygen and carbon injection, the power-on time of EAF is lower. In general, the tap-to-tap time of EAF is around 50-60 minutes whereas, one heat can take 120-150 minutes for IMF. The profitability of any industrial plant increases and decreases directly with production rates.
  

To ensure optimal performance and long-term efficiency, top electric arc furnace (EAF) for sale suppliers in China recommend several key maintenance and operational strategies. These suggestions not only help reduce the overall electric arc furnace cost but also enhance steel quality and extend equipment lifespan.

• Reduce the tapping angle.

• Simplify the tilting structure of the steelmaking electric arc furnace.

• Lower the impedance of the copper busbar system and extend the service life of the electric arc furnace (EAF) for sale.

• Adopt hot heel and slag retention techniques, which support better refining and reduce energy consumption.

• Avoid slag tapping to enhance steel cleanliness and support downstream refining processes.

• Reduce tapping temperatures to save power, significantly affecting the total electric arc furnace cost.

• Minimize secondary oxidation, which not only improves final steel quality but also increases ladle life — critical for any efficient steelmaking electric arc furnace operation.

For buyers looking to buy an electric arc furnace (EAF) from China, applying these best practices ensures a higher return on investment and consistent production quality. These maintenance strategies are essential to maximizing the value of your chosen electric arc furnace (EAF) for sale, while keeping long-term operational costs under control.

Electric arc furnace steel making is a process that uses electric heating technology to melt and refine iron containing materials such as scrap steel into steel. Electric arc furnace EAF steelmaking occupies a dominant position in the production of special steel with small batches, multiple varieties, and high alloy ratios. CHNZBTECH, one of the leading steel furnace manufacturers, offers steelmaking EAF electric arc furnace with following advantages.

1. Environmental advantages: Electric arc furnace steel making can fully utilize the abundant domestic scrap steel resources, reduce raw material costs and environmental pollution.

2. Flexibility: Among types of steel making furnaces, electric furnace can achieve miniaturization, flexible production, and rapid adjustment to adapt to changes in market demand.

3. Technical advantages: In the electric arc furnace steel making process, the power input can be precisely controlled, and key parameters such as melting speed, smelting temperature, and furnace atmosphere can also be effectively controlled.

4. Economic advantages: Electric arc furnace steel making has low energy consumption, short construction period, and simple operation, resulting in low operating costs and strong adaptability.