Decarbonization is improving the environment in a positive way by transforming the global economy. Previously, the steel production was generally carried out in the Blast Furnaces but now Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) can be used in a different and more environment friendly way by using a metallurgical furnace which uses steel scraps as raw materials for generating steel rather than iron ores.
Therefore, today we shall be going to discuss about the benefits of Thermic Lance in EAF. Here, we will also see how EAF works to maximize operational systems and understand which type of Thermic Lance is applied for which situation
Benefits of Thermic Lances in EAF
Source: Daiwa Lance International
Operation: Electric Arc Furnace
Electric Arc Furnace or EAF helps to reduce carbon dioxide discharge accumulation in the steel production procedure which can also be called a revolution in steel industry.
EAF generates heat and then melts the metal steel scrap into slags using electric power which is structured with graphite electrodes and is directly connected to a molten bath in a vertical position.
Electric Arc Furnaces in general is also more efficient as compared to Blast Furnaces. In EAF-
- Raw materials are 100% replaced by steel scraps as a substitute of natural resources.
- Takes shorter time to produce steel.
- Requires less space and is smaller in size.
- Helps in the reduction of CO2 by not using considerable amount of coke.
- Comparatively less expensive in the initial investment.
From above we can understand that there are many advantages of EAF, and it will even be if we can run the EAF smoothly.
Now we will see, how Thermic Lances helps to improve the efficiency in the steelmaking process in EAF.
Use of Thermic Lance for Large Steel Scrap
As we know that EAF production uses scraps as the main material to reduce carbon emission. This also brings some issues in the pretreatment of large steel scrap in the steel making process. This happens because of the different sizes of scraps in the scrapyards.
In this situation, Thermic Lances can be of huge help. Here, the type T of Thermic Lances can help to cut huge steel scraps into smaller parts which ultimately helps in transporting the cut scraps to the EAF which also curtails the time and helps in the melting process.
Thermic Lance in Slag Removal
Electric Arc Furnace also faces similar issues like Blast Furnaces pertaining to solidifying of molten slag which gets very different to remove over time. The location of the presence of molten slag can be anywhere from tundish nozzles, continuous casting equipment or ladle cars which needs to be removed before continuing to further steelmaking.
This issue can be resolved with help of Thermic Lance of Type W where small steel pipes are present inside the Lance which harnesses oxygen to produce high temperature of up to 4000˚C which is higher than the melting point of slag and helps to burn the slags easily.
It is also to be noted that as Thermic Lances burns itself during the combustion, it becomes a matter of concern for the workers regarding their safety. Therefore, it is always recommended to use a full set of protective clothing to safeguard the workers from any danger.
Use of Thermic Lance in Floor Clean Up
Portability and Mobility can be said as the two important characteristics of Thermic Lances.
We can say Mobility as we can carry the Thermic Lances freely and effortlessly to anywhere in the steel mills and Portability in a way as we can carry the Thermic Lances easily because of its weight which is only some kilograms.
Therefore, it is useful for Thermic Lance Type-W for cleaning the molten slag that sticks on the floor of the steel mills every time the production in the EAF is finished.
Conclusion:
We know that steel making through EAF helps in reducing carbon dioxide emission and that Thermic Lances of different sizes helps the engineers to enhance the steelmaking process with scrap removal and pretreatment of heavy scrap.
However, only the good properties of the lances do not always become effective. In addition, we should always have specialized advice on the sizes of the lances which plays a vital role in the manufacturing process.
Therefore, we must have the detailed knowledge about the uses and sizes of the products which will ultimately help in upgrading the steel mills effectively.
For more information about the Thermic Lances, please feel free to contact us at sales@daiwaanayasteel.com.
Daiwa Anaya Steel is part of Anaya Steel, LLC (US parent company). Our group has over 30 years of experience in steel products mainly:
- Specialized steel hardware – punched, pressed, galvanized, powder coated.
- Steel pipes and tubing – specialized, color coated, galvanized and structural.
- Our Lance pipes are produced by Daiwa Lance International in Vietnam.
