The electromagnetic stirrer is mainly applied in ordinary power electric arc furnaces with capacities ranging from 10 to 50 tons. By stirring molten steel through non-contact magnetic forces, it significantly improves both melting efficiency and product quality.
Structure and Working Principle of the Electromagnetic Stirrer
An electromagnetic stirrer consists mainly of a laminated steel core and coils wound with copper tubes, structurally resembling a section of an induction motor stator. When two-phase low-frequency AC (0.5–1 Hz) is applied to the coils, a rotating magnetic field is generated beneath the furnace hearth. This magnetic field drives the molten steel to flow in a specific direction.
For slag removal operations, the current direction can be switched to reverse the flow of molten steel, concentrating the slag near the furnace door area for easier extraction.
Key Functions of Electromagnetic Stirring in EAF Steelmaking
Temperature Homogenization and Faster Melting
In EAF operations, molten steel often exhibits uneven temperature distribution, especially in the early stages of melting. Electromagnetic stirring eliminates cold zones, promotes uniform temperature, and accelerates scrap melting.
Uniform Chemical Composition and Reduced Labor
Stirring enhances the mixing of alloying elements and speeds up their melting. In medium and small EAFs, electromagnetic stirrers can replace manual stirring, reducing operator labor and improving process automation.
Enhanced Slag–Metal Reactions and Increased Productivity
Stirred molten steel intensifies physical and chemical interactions at the slag–metal interface, accelerating key refining reactions like desulfurization and dephosphorization. This shortens the overall smelting cycle and increases furnace productivity.
