Abstract: Electromagnetic stirrer installed underneath the furnace bottom creates a whole bath mixing effect thus accelerates the homogenization of the temperature and chemical composition of the steel. The effect of electromagnetic stirring on the EAF process for stainless steel melting had been studied in a 90 t furnace in Outokumpu Stainless AB in Sweden. The hot test results showed that ArcSave accelerated the scrap and ferrochromium melting and gave a better accuracy in tapping weight control. Bath temperature was more homogeneous and tapping temperature was controlled more correctly and this would smooth the AOD operations. The decrease of surface superheat temperature and efficient heat transfer under stirring would reduce the heat losses to the furnace wall and roof and thereby reduced the electricity and electrode consumption. The total energy saving could be reached to 3 %－4 %. The slag reduction was also enhanced by stirring which resulted in high alloy yield and lower FeSi consumption. Short taptotap time and consistent furnace operation also enabled an increase in productivity of approx 6 %－8 %. Electromagnetic stirring is a reliable and efficient solution for improving the stainless steel melting process.

Key words: electric arc furnace (EAF), electromagnetic stirring (EMS), ferrochromium melting, steel/slag reaction, stainless steel, energy efficiency