Bottom-blowing electric arc furnace - A further step in the direction of process optimization.

In order to eliminate the disadvantages of the conventional electric arc steelmaking process, processes for blowing the required gases through the furnace hearth have been developed. A prerequisite for reliable operation was the development of appropriate blowing elements, with the DPP (directed porosity plug) system being found to best meet the requirements imposed. The appropriate locations for inserting the scavenging elements were chosen in accordance with the desired advantages. A detailed report is given of the advantages attained relative to metallurgy and economics, and a look at the future for the bottom-blowing electric arc furnace is presented.