Applications of advanced smelting furnace technology for sustainable steelmaking

Abstract

The future of steelmaking requires new technologies to achieve significant reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. This paper describes the implementation of electric smelting furnaces (ESFs) to improve process yield and efficiency with lower grade ores. The ESF efficiently converts DRI into pig-iron, for use in the steelshop. ESF technology has 65+ years of development in iron, ferronickel, and non-ferrous applications. The furnace crucible design uses an integrated approach considering thermal, refractory selection, cooling, and steel / structural design. This integrated approach has led to the development of a number of key design features that have been proven in many reference applications. Electric smelting furnace technology can be applied to various flowsheets including integrated BF-BOF operators, DRI-EAF and scrap-EAF mini-mills. This facilitates the shift to green steelmaking by using existing facilities and pellet supply chains, as well as providing higher yields and reduced lifecycle costs.