Serving as a crucial and irreplaceable piece of equipment in the steel industry, the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) has undoubtedly become a driving force behind technological advancements in steelmaking. Looking back, we can clearly identify several key milestones in the development of the EAF.
1900s – The Origin of EAF
The EAF is a type of furnace that melts charged material using an electric arc. In 1900, French scientist Paul Héroult developed the first successful commercial EAF, paving the way for the further development of steel plants. Notably, Héroult also invented the electrolytic aluminum process, which remains a cornerstone of the aluminum industry today.
1960s – Productivity Enhancement
In the 1960s, American scientist Dr. W.E. Schwabe proposed equipping the EAF with a large-capacity transformer. Thanks to the continuous efforts of several generations of engineers, the productivity of EAF-based steelmaking was significantly improved.
1970s – Quality Improvement
During the 1970s, a Japanese steel company pioneered the separation of melting and refining processes into two different furnaces, which led to the widespread adoption of the ladle refining furnace (LRF) process. Compared to the EAF, the LRF consumes fewer graphite electrodes while maintaining the same power input.
1980s – Rise of the DCEAF
Since the 1980s, with the growing demand for steel products across various industries, steel production capacity has expanded significantly. In pursuit of higher efficiency and greater safety, many steel enterprises have actively explored innovative processes. With superior performance compared to the ACEAF, the Direct Current Electric Arc Furnace (DCEAF) entered a rapid development phase.
Present Day – Toward a Cleaner Future
Currently, the maximum capacity of a DCEAF has reached 420 tonnes, achieved by a company in Italy. Meanwhile, advancements in automation technology continue to drive steel production toward greater cleanliness and environmental sustainability.
