The 3-phase electric arc furnace

The 3-phase electric arc furnace has established itself definitely as an important industrial unit in the production of ferrous materials. With the efficiency of the arc furnace being increased, and with the overall cost of installation and operation now being comparable with that of an equivalent open hearth, an even more extensive application is indicated for the future. This paper discusses in a general way the classification, rating, and methods of operation of 3-phase arc furnaces, outlines some of the modern developments in design, and points out the relative advantages of these units in specific applications.