Electric Arc Furnaces: for a much greener and more energy-efficient steel industry
According to statistics from the Steel Manufacturers Association (SMA), for over a quarter of a century more than 70% of the steel produced in America has been obtained by means of one of the greenest and most sustainable solutions to date: Electric Arc Furnaces.
Steelmaking by means of EAFs is much more efficient in terms of the energy necessary for the process, since its operation requires mostly electricity, thus circumventing the consumption of a large portion of non-renewable resources.
What is an Electric Arc Furnace and how does it work?
An EAF is a type of melting furnace used in the steel industry for steelmaking; in it, the main raw material of scrap metal is melted by means of electrical energy.
This type of melting furnace can reach up to 3000 °F and have devices that allow the temperature to be controlled accurately and safely.
What are the advantages of Electric Arc Furnaces in steelmaking processes?
- An efficient way to significantly reduce carbon emissions in steel production.
- Can be used to produce a large number of steel products, which makes it possible to satisfy different industries, thus making production processes more flexible.
- Processes are controlled, which drives productivity and time efficiency.
- EAFs use Best Available Control Technology (BACT) and Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) to capture, control and reduce emissions from steel production.
Optimus Steel: committed to a greener and more sustainable steelmaking
Aligned with the objectives of the SMA to make the steelmaking processes greener, more sustainable and more efficient, at Optimus Steel we make use of an Electric Arc Furnace for the melting of raw materials, which has allows us to be a better neighbor and supplier to our customers.
The steel products provided by Optimus Steel have a positive impact on our environment, as much of our raw material is steel recovered from scrap yards.
Some data from the SMA on EAF Steel:
- More than 70% of the steel produced in America is EAF Steel.
- Thanks to this type of process, a car in scrap condition can be transformed to be used for new items used in daily life or as part of new automobiles.
- EAF Steel grows the industry, which in the long term creates new jobs.
- EAF operations generate 2X more steel and up to 75% less greenhouse gas emissions, compared to traditional production processes.