Valokaariuuneissa

Valokaariuuneissa, also known as electric arc furnaces, are industrial furnaces that use electric arcs to melt and refine metals. The process involves passing a high-current electric arc between electrodes and the material being heated, generating intense heat. This heat is sufficient to melt even high-melting-point metals like iron and steel. The primary components of a valokaariuuni include a refractory-lined vessel, electrodes (typically graphite), and a power supply system. The design allows for precise control over the temperature and melting process.

Valokaariuuneissa are widely used in the production of steel, particularly for recycling scrap metal. They are also employed in the manufacturing of specialty alloys, ferroalloys, and for the production of certain non-ferrous metals. The key advantages of using valokaariuuneissa include their high temperature capabilities, rapid melting rates, and flexibility in handling different raw materials. Furthermore, they can achieve very high purity levels in the molten metal. Environmental considerations are also important, as valokaariuuneissa can be designed to minimize emissions compared to some other smelting processes. The energy consumption is a significant factor in their operation, and efforts are continuously made to improve energy efficiency.