Electric Furnace Process

An electric arc furnace is a steel cylinder lined with refractory
and it has three electrodes (carbon rods) which are inserted through the furnace roof. 
The charge is mostly scrap steel and alloy materials.

Steel is produced in an electric arc furnace by the following
steps:

1. The charge is put into the furnace.

2. A powerful electric current arcs (jumps) between the electrodes, producing intense
heat.

3. The charge melts and chemical reactions produce steel.

4. Alloying materials are added.

5. The furnace is tipped to pour out the molten steel.

Most steel in the United States today is manufactured in electric furnaces, which
are less costly to build and are more flexible than the basic oxygen or open hearth
furnaces. They are capable of producing a wide range of carbon and alloy steels.