Evaluation of advanced refractories to replace water-cooled panels in steelmaking electric arc furnaces
Pedro Henrique Couto Almeida, Victor Carlos Pandolfelli
Abstract
The electric arc furnace (EAF) process is gaining prominence in global steel production due to its lower CO2 emissions and energy consumption. However, the continued use of water-cooled panels in the EAF upper sidewall presents serious safety risks, primarily due to the potential for water-steel interactions that may lead to explosions. Replacing these components with refractory panels can eliminate this risk while significantly reducing heat loss and water usage. This study evaluates five commercially available refractory castables using laboratory testing and thermodynamic simulations to determine their suitability for this application. An alumina-spinel (AM) castable emerged as the most promising material, offering an optimal balance of mechanical strength, thermal shock resistance, slag resistance, and refractoriness making it a strong candidate for safer and more efficient EAF operation.
Keywords
Referências
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Submetido em:
17/10/2025
Aceito em:
24/11/2025
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