Oxygen usage has played a crucial role in the ongoing EAF process
improvement and has enabled furnace operators to optimize the
chemical energy input, reaching unprecedented efficiencies and productivity.
This article will present the fundamental principles governing
the design of an optimized chemical energy system through
scrap oxy-cutting and melting, decarburisation, post-combustion
and slag foaming. It will be illustrated with industrial results obtained
at the Vallourec Mannesmann Saint-Saulve site, where a PyreJetTM and ALARCTM PC system, using the newly designed DRAGON
Panel, has been recently commissioned.