Shabnam Sabah, Ujwal Kudaru
The blast furnace (BF) has been the predominant technology for producing molten iron since its invention and widespread adoption. Challenges of decarbonisation and production of direct reduced iron (DRI) from low-grade iron ore have raised the potential for incorporating electric smelting furnaces (ESFs) into the direct reduced iron-basic oxygen furnace (DRI-BOF) pathway to produce molten iron. This paper critically reviews the current understanding of ESF technology for ironmaking, identifies key knowledge gaps, and proposes directions for further research. Developed smelting technologies, like the Submerged Arc Furnace (SAF), have been widely used in ferro-alloy production for more than 100 years, yet three ESFs are currently operational worldwide for molten iron production but lack sufficient scale to replace BF operations. The Open Slag Bath Furnace (OSBF) shows promise in processing low-grade DRI, operating at higher resistance and power levels than SAFs. However, the increased heat loss through radiation from the OSBF roof poses a challenge to energy efficiency and refractory wear. This review underscores the necessity for independent research on OSBF and emphasizes potential pathways for advancing ESF technology towards sustainable iron production.
@article{98bf645e-8dd5-4695-acfd-1314aa6813ac,
title={Application of Electric Smelting Furnace to Ironmaking},
author={Shabnam Sabah and Ujwal Kudaru},
year={2026},
language={en}
}TY - JOUR TI - Application of Electric Smelting Furnace to Ironmaking AU - Shabnam Sabah AU - Ujwal Kudaru PY - 2026 LA - en ER -
Mark E. Schlesinger, Matthew J. King
This book presents a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of copper extraction metallurgy. The objective is to provide both a theore
P Card, J Canterford
This document presents a collection of papers from the METPLANT 2011 conference focusing on metallurgical plant design and operating strategies. The o
Alain Vignes
Extractive metallurgy is a critical field that encompasses the processes involved in the extraction of valuable metals from their ores. This work serv
Mudila Dhanunjaya Rao, Kamalesh K. Singh
Rapid global technological development has resulted in increased production of electronic waste, which presents both challenges and opportunities in r
Unknown, Unknown
This study focuses on the fundamental characteristics of solid iron, which is predominantly composed of iron atoms and provides a basis for understand
FATHI HABASHI
In the past few years, extractive metallurgy has been advancing gradually, despite the absence of remarkable new ideas. This paper aims to summarize t