Four Classification Methods for Electric Arc Furnaces

Four Classification Methods for Electric Arc Furnaces

Electric arc furnaces (EAFs) can be categorized in several ways based on their design and operating principles.

1. By Electrode Consumption Type  

- Non-consumable electrode arc furnace: Uses tungsten or graphite electrodes, which remain largely unchanged during the smelting process.  

- Consumable electrode arc furnace: Employs the metal being melted as the electrode; the electrode is gradually consumed as melting proceeds.

2. By Arc Length Control Method  

- Constant arc voltage control: Automatically adjusts electrode height by comparing the actual inter‑electrode voltage with a set value, maintaining a stable arc length.  

- Constant arc length control: Regulates electrode position based on a fixed arc voltage to approximately maintain constant arc length.  

- Droplet pulse control: Uses the frequency and duration of pulses generated during metal droplet formation and detachment to automatically control and stabilize arc length.

3. By Operating Mode  

- Batch-type (cyclic) arc furnace: Operates on a single‑heat cycle, completing one melt at a time.  

- Continuous arc furnace: Designed for uninterrupted operation. This includes:  

  – Rotary furnace: The furnace body rotates to promote uniform melting.  

  – Twin‑furnace shared DC supply: Two furnaces share one DC power source; when one completes a melt, power is switched to the other to begin the next cycle immediately.

4. By Furnace Structure  

- Stationary arc furnace  

- Rotary arc furnace  

These classification approaches highlight the diversity in EAF technology, allowing selection of the most suitable design for specific metallurgical requirements and production conditions.

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