The new production plant into which Henan Yaxin are to integrate these arc furnaces will expedite a transition of the existing induction furnace production and converter steelmaking to a more environmentally-compatible electrosteel process. An extremely low requirement of electrical energy, which also contributes to a reduction in both operating costs and CO₂ emissions, is greatly significant in this regard.
The privately-owned concern Henan Yaxin operates integrated and compact steelmaking plants in five provinces and cities in China, and can produce approx. more than 10 million metric t of steel each year. Primetals will supply the entire mechanical and electrical process equipment for both new EAF Quantum electric arc furnaces. “Balance of plant” equipment and services will be provided by a local design institute.
Developed by Primetals, the EAF Quantum combines proven elements of shaft furnace technology with an innovative scrap feeding process, efficient preheating system, new tipping concept for the lower shell, and an optimized tap system to attain significantly reduced tap-to-tap times. The electrical energy requirement is considerably less than that of a conventional electric arc furnace. In conjunction with reduced consumption of electrodes and oxygen, a cumulative benefit of around 20 % is achieved for respective conversion costs. Overall, reductions of up to 30 % of CO₂ emissions per metric t of crude steel can be attained when compared to conventional arc furnaces.
_{(Source: Primetals Technologies, Limited)}