Sähkökaariuuni

Sähkökaariuuni, often translated as electric arc furnace (EAF), is a type of industrial furnace used in metallurgy to melt and refine metals. The core principle of its operation involves creating an electric arc between electrodes and the metal charge. This arc generates intense heat, reaching temperatures well above the melting point of most metals, allowing them to be melted and processed.

The primary application of sähkökaariuuni is in steelmaking, particularly for recycling scrap steel. Scrap metal is loaded into the furnace, and then high-powered electric arcs are generated between graphite electrodes suspended above the charge. The extreme heat from the arc melts the scrap. Alloying elements can be added during the process to achieve desired steel properties. After melting, the molten metal is further refined by removing impurities through chemical reactions, often by injecting oxygen or other gases.

EAFs offer several advantages. They are highly flexible in terms of the raw materials they can process, especially scrap metal, contributing to a more sustainable and circular economy. They also allow for precise temperature control and efficient production of specialty steels. However, they are significant consumers of electricity, and the cost of electricity can be a major factor in their operational economics. The environmental impact is largely related to electricity generation sources and emissions from the refining process, which are typically controlled.