Steel production rethought - with fewer emissions, more recycling and maximum efficiency! Did you know that around 90% of the raw material in the electric arc furnace consists of recycled steel scrap?
This not only saves valuable resources, but also significantly reduces CO₂ emissions. Breitenfeld Edelstahl AG relies on this sustainable technology to produce special steels to the highest quality standards.
But what makes the electric arc furnace (EAF) so special? Let's take a look at how it works and the advantages of this modern steelmaking process.
Basics of the electric arc furnace (EAF)
The electric arc furnace is an established technology in steel production that impresses with its high energy efficiency and significant reduction in CO₂ emissions.
Breitenfeld Edelstahl AG uses this method to produce special steels with a sustainable approach. The electric arc furnace enables precise control of the chemical composition, allowing special alloy requirements to be met exactly.
This is particularly essential for high-performance steels that are used in demanding applications such as aerospace, mechanical engineering or medical technology.
The EAF enables flexible and resource-saving production and offers a modern alternative to the classic blast furnace route. But how exactly does the EAF work and what are the advantages of this process?
The principle of electric arc melting
The EAF is based on the use of an electric arc to generate temperatures above 3,000 °C, which are necessary to melt metals efficiently.
Three graphite electrodes, each with a diameter of 500 mm, are inserted into a round furnace vessel lined with refractory material at the bottom, through which an electric current of up to 40,000 amperes flows.
When the graphite electrodes come into contact with the scrap, the arc is ignited and melts the entire scrap pile. In comparison, an ordinary household socket only has an amperage of 16 amps.
The high amperage of the EAF is required to maintain the arc and generate the required heat efficiently. This allows the material to melt quickly and evenly, making the process both energy efficient and precisely controllable.
The arc generated by the electrodes creates a high-energy plasma phase that completely melts the metal used in less than an hour.
In addition to scrap, alloying agents can also be melted in order to produce the desired steel composition in the first process step. This is particularly important for the production of high-quality special steels.
Sustainable steel production through recycling and renewable energies
Breitenfeld Edelstahl attaches great importance to environmentally friendly steel production. A major advantage of the electric arc furnace is the high proportion of recycled material:
- 90% of the raw material consists of recycled steel scrap
- 10% of the material composition is made up of specific alloy components
The consistent use of recycled scrap minimizes the consumption of natural resources and significantly reduces the carbon footprint of steel production.
In contrast to the traditional blast furnace route, which relies on primary raw materials such as iron ore and coking coal, EAF technology offers a lower-carbon alternative.
Another decisive factor for the ecological balance of the process is the energy source. Breitenfeld Edelstahl is increasingly relying on electricity from renewable energy sources to cover the electrical energy requirements of the EAF. This further increases the environmental advantage over conventional processes.
Technical and economic advantages of the electric arc furnace
✅ Reduced CO₂ emissions due to the absence of carbon-containing reducing agents
✅ Circular economy thanks to the consistent use of recycled scrap
✅ High production flexibility - different steel grades can be produced efficiently
✅ S hort process times - a melting batch can be produced in less than two hours, which means considerable time savings compared to the classic blast furnace route. While blast furnaces often require several hours to days for a complete melt, the EAF enables faster production and therefore more flexible adaptation to changing production requirements.
✅ Lower primary energy requirement through the use of electrical energy
✅ Efficient use of alloys for customized steel qualities
The combination of these technological and ecological advantages makes the electric arc furnace one of the most advanced methods for manufacturing steel products with high quality standards.
Companies such as Breitenfeld Edelstahl use this process to establish sustainable and economical solutions in the metal industry.
Conclusion: Electric arc furnace as a key technology for green steel production
Breitenfeld Edelstahl AG demonstrates that modern production technologies and environmentally conscious business practices are not mutually exclusive.
The use of the electric arc furnace represents an essential step towards low-carbon steel production and underlines the importance of recycling and renewable energies in the metal industry.
Breitenfeld is setting new standards in the field of sustainable steel production through the targeted further development of resource-saving production processes.
The continuous optimization of process sequences makes it possible to meet the high demands on quality and environmental compatibility.
Would you like to find out more about our innovative processes or discuss a customized solution for your project?
Feel free to contact us - our team of experts is always at your disposal.
