New steelmaking processes - EOF process

With the demise of the Bessemer and Thomas converters, and now the Martin furnaces, the situation for steelmaking processes has become much simpler, with practically only :

• oxygen steelworks converting liquid cast iron into steel;

• and electric steel mills based on the smelting of scrap iron, but expanding their load to include reduced iron ores and, now, cast iron.

This simplification is taking place at the same time as a whole series of research projects is aimed at developing new steelmaking processes such as EOF (Energy Optimizing Furnace). Before describing this process, it is necessary to understand the motivations behind such an effort to develop a "third way" in steelmaking, and to see what it has led to.

For more information, please visit [13] .