Innovations in slag chemistry and handling have transformed the efficiency and quality of electric arc furnace (EAF) steel production. Slag protects molten steel from oxidation, absorbs impurities, and regulates heat transfer in steelmaking (Maguire et al., 2018). Tuning slag composition by controlling the CaO, SiO₂, and Al₂O₃ content improves slag fluidity and reactivity, facilitates non-metallic inclusion removal, and decreases energy consumption. Tailoring slag chemistry per steel grade diminishes contamination and precisely refines reactions to desired metallurgical properties.

Efficient slag handling ensures optimal slag creation, removal, and reuse. Automated slag detection and tapping systems coordinate slag timing and volume, controlling for slag is not taken into the steel and lost (Kumar & Singh, 2020). Slag granulation and solidification recycle byproducts (e.g., valuable cement and concrete components), promoting environmental sustainability. Appropriate slag management reduces environmental pollution during tapping and steel refining by removing harmful gases and particulate matter.

Progress toward real-time monitoring and slag chemistry integration to optimize the EAF process. Real-time sensors capable of measuring temperature as well as slag composition let for dynamic adjustments and control plans that maintain consistent slag properties all through the heat (Zhang et al., 2019). Process control techniques lessen the consequences of raw materials and operational variances on resulting metallurgy. Such advancements underpin the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of EAF steel production.

References

Kumar, S., & Singh, R. (2020). Advances in slag handling and recycling in electric arc furnace steelmaking. Journal of Cleaner Production, 258, 120789.

Maguire, M., Wilson, J., & Li, X. (2018). Slag chemistry and its impact on steel quality in electric arc furnace steelmaking. Metallurgical and Materials Transactions B, 49(3), 1372–1382.

Zhang, H., Chen, Y., & Wang, J. (2019). Real-time monitoring and control of slag properties in electric arc furnace steel production. Ironmaking & Steelmaking, 46(5), 417–425.

Innovations in slag chemistry and handling in Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steelmaking are central to improving steel quality, reducing energy consumption, lowering CO₂ emissions, and enhancing process safety. Innovations in slag chemistry (optimized compositions, foamy slag, recycling, AI monitoring) and slag handling (automated tapping, granulation, valorization) make EAF steel production cleaner, more efficient, and more sustainable.