The EAF Quantum furnace is designed to handle scrap steel of very varied composition and quality. The electrical energy requirement of the electric arc furnace is extremely low because the scrap is preheated. This reduces both the operating costs and the CO₂ emissions. The twin ladle furnace sets the desired steel grades and the correct casting temperature. The furnaces are scheduled to be commissioned in early 2020.
Wuzhou Yongda is a privately owned steelmaker operating in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in Southern China. The company produces steel rods, coiled rebar and coiled wire. The EAF Quantum and the twin ladle furnace are part of a greenfield project for the production of stainless steels. For the new EAF Quantum electric arc furnace and the twin ladle furnace, Primetals will supply the complete mechanical and electrical process equipment and the automation technology. This includes the automated scrap yard management, the automated charging process, automation of the oxygen injection and sand refilling, as well as the Level 2 automation which makes the plant ready for Industry 4.0. A basic data package for dedusting equipment is also part of the order.
The EAF Quantum developed by Primetals combines proven elements of shaft furnace technology with an innovative scrap charging process, an efficient preheating system, a new tilting concept for the lower shell, and an optimized tapping system. This all adds up to very short melting cycles. The electricity consumption is considerably lower than that of a conventional electric arc furnace. Together with the lower consumption of electrodes and oxygen, this gives an overall advantage in the specific conversion cost of around 20 %. In comparison to conventional electric arc furnaces, total CO₂ emissions can also be reduced by up to 30 % per metric ton of crude steel. An integrated dedusting system with modern automatic off gas control fulfills all environmental requirements.
_{(Source: Primetals Technologies, Limited)}