Nitrogen dynamics in steels produced in electric arc furnace and the challenges for the future
Rubia Teodoro Silva, Ismael Vemdrame Flores
Abstract
The control of nitrogen content in steels produced via electric arc furnace (EAF) is one of the main metallurgical challenges faced by modern steelmaking, particularly considering the advancement of more sustainable and flexible production routes. This paper presents a technical review of the thermodynamic and kinetic mechanisms involved in nitrogen absorption in liquid steel, detailing the factors that influence its solubility, the incorporation pathways of the element, and the main methods used for its industrial control. The challenges of decarbonization are also discussed, with an emphasis on the implications of the transition to low-carbon technologies, such as hydrogen-based direct reduced iron (H-DRI), and their impact on the dynamics of nitrogen removal. By integrating fundamental knowledge with current operational approaches, this study aims to contribute to the improvement of EAF-based steelmaking processes focused on the production of high-quality steels.
Keywords
Referências
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Submetido em:
24/10/2025
Aceito em:
15/01/2026
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