Energy optimisation practices in electric arc steelmaking

The world's first Fuchs Shaft Furnace at Co-Steel Sheerness has demonstrated significantly lower electrical power consumption than in conventional electric are furnace steel production. Scrap pre-heating procedures and BOC's modern oxy-fuel burner system have been implemented to provide a high degree of chemical energy input. Following the very succesful installation of the furnace in 1992, joint development programmes between Co-Steel and BOC have investigated energy optimisation technology using novel oxygen injection devices. Large amounts of energy in the form of chemical energy and heat are lost during conventional electric are steelmaking. Oxidation of CO to CO2 in the furnace by oxygen injection and the optimal transfer of the released heat to steel scrap or the molten bath (so-called post combustion) provide more efficient energy utilisation. A fast response gas analysis system suitable for use under extreme conditions has been developed to provide continuous monitoring of CO, CO2 and O-2 concentrations in the waste gases of the shaft furnace and in the conventional are furnace at Sheerness.