Electric Arc Furnace

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Electric Arc Furnace


Electric Arc Furnace means an extremely hot enclosed space, where heat is produced by
means of electrical arcing for melting certain metals such as scrap steel without changing
electro-chemical properties of the metal.


The electric furnace is in form of a vertical vessel of re brick. Electric arc is produced between
the electrodes. This electric arc is used for melting the metal. The arc furnaces are used to produce mini
steel structural bars and steel rods.

Electric Arc Furnace
Electric Arc Furnace


There are mainly two types of electric furnaces.

DC Electric Arc Furnace


In DC Arc Furnace, current flows from cathode to anode. This furnace has only a single graphite
electrode and the other electrode is embedded at the bottom of the furnace.

There are different methods for xing anode at the bottom of the DC furnace. DC Arc Furnace is recent and advanced furnace compared to AC Arc Furnace.

Advantages of DC arc furnace

  • Decrease in electrode consumption by 50%
  • Melting is almost uniform
  • Decrease in power consumption (5 to 10%)
  • Decrease in flicker by 50%
  • Decrease in refractory consumption
  • Hearth life can be extended

AC Electric Arc Furnace


In AC electric furnace, current ows between the electrodes through the charges in metal. In this furnace three graphite electrodes are used as cathode. The scrap itself acts as an anode. When compared to DC arc furnace, this is cost e ective. This furnace is most commonly used in small furnaces.

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