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Siemens Develops Continuous EAF for Operation with DRI Feedstock

01/20/2012 - Siemens VAI Metals Technologies has introduced the Simetal EAF FAST DRI, developed for the use of direct reduced iron. The furnace operates as a continuous melting process.

Siemens VAI Metals Technologies has introduced a new electric arc furnace — the Simetal EAF FAST DRI — developed for the use of direct reduced iron (DRI).
 
The Simetal EAF FAST DRI electric arc furnace has a tiltable lower vessel and is operated with an extensive liquid heel to result in a continuous flat-bath operation that allows electrical energy input and DRI feeding during tapping. The furnace also features a patented furnace advanced slag-free tapping system (FAST) that enables charging, tapping and taphole refilling to be carried out under power-on conditions.
 
According to Siemens, the technology makes it possible to reduce tap-to-tap times by up to 15% compared with conventional arc furnaces, while energy consumption can be cut by 20 kilowatt-hours per ton and electrode consumption can be reduced by 10%. The continuous supply of electrical energy during flat-bath operation improves productivity while also helping to avoids line harmonic distortions such as flicker.
 
The continuous operation of the furnace offers a number of other benefits, including the possibility for precise implementation of coal and oxygen injection as well as foaming slag control. Slag- free tapping helps to enhance alloy yield as well as steel desulfurization. By operating continuously, thermal stress on the refractory and structure materials is also reduced, helping to prolong their useful lives.
 
The Simetal EAF FAST DRI is designed so that, in combination with Siemens’ Hot Transport System (HTS), it can also be fed with hot DRI at temperatures of around 600°C. The new furnaces features a modular design so that existing furnace installations can also be retrofitted with FAST DRI technology.
 
The Siemens Industry Sector (Erlangen, Germany) is a leading international supplier of innovative and environmentally friendly products and solutions for industrial customers. With a global workforce of more than 100,000 employees, the Industry Sector comprises the Divisions Industry Automation, Drive Technologies and Customer Services as well as the Business Unit Metals Technologies.
 
The Metals Technologies Business Unit (Linz, Austria), part of the Siemens Industry Sector, is one of the world’s leading suppliers of plant construction and engineering in the iron and steel industry as well as in the flat rolling segment of the aluminum industry. The Business Unit offers a comprehensive product and service portfolio for metallurgical plants and equipment as well as integrated automation and environmental solutions covering the entire lifecycle of plants.