ABB : 2015-10-07: Next generation electric arc furnace stirrer improves steel production output.

- ABB, the leading power and automation group, launches a product whose stronger stirring ability enables liquid steel producers to save time, money and materials. ArcSave, ABB's next generation electric arc furnace electromagnetic stirrer (EAF-EMS), reduces carry over slag and shortens tap-to-tap time while strengthening slag-melt homogenization and increasing yield. It also contributes to safer operations. The product is the result of over five years of research and development.

The ArcSave's powerful electromagnetic stirring enhances the melting of large scrap items and makes stratification less significant due to forced convection. The forced convection in the whole melt is instrumental in generating a homogenous temperature distribution and high scrap melting rate. The melt velocity achieved is roughly ten times faster, as compared to just having natural convection in the bath, and results in less power on time.

The temperature homogenization further helps manufacturers, not only to obtain an exact tapping temperature for different grades of steel, but also allows smooth tapping without delays. The uniform melt gives producers a safer, more reliable EAF operation with a reduction in the number of scrap cave-ins, fewer instances of over tap temperature and carbon boiling out, as well as less un-molten big scrap.

Increased steel yields, as well as savings in scrap cost and conversion are achieved, given that manufacturers can more readily attain a low carbon and oxygen mix, with a reduction in the slag's iron oxide (FeO) content.

Damage at the slag-line level is reduced due the stirrer's ability to lessen superheat during power on, lower tapping temperatures, the decreased FeO content in the slag and the diminished oxygen in the steel. As most critical damage tends to occur at the slag-line, by optimizing performance here, ArcSavehelps producers enjoy refractory repair savings.

'This improved stirrer brings together much of what ABB stands for - productivity, safety, energy efficiency and quality', says Anders Lehman, Vice President, Metallurgy Products. 'ArcSave reduces operational costs without compromising on end product quality.'

ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility, industry, and transport and infrastructure customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in roughly 100 countries and employs about 140,000 people.

For help with any technical terms in this release, please go to: www.abb.com/glossary