7. Economic aspects

7.1 Loads loaded

Metallic charges are the main cost item for liquid pig iron in the cupola furnace, accounting for over 70%. The expensive components of the melting bed are new cast iron and ferroalloys, while the cheapest are steel and shavings.

Smelting processes that increase the proportion of steel and bocage are obviously of the greatest interest; this is the main justification for the hot blast that enables new cast iron to be replaced by steel. The use of steel leads to increased consumption of coke and ferroalloys (especially Si). Steel can replace 100% of new cast iron for hot-blast cupola furnaces, but requires further development...