Advantages of the electric arc furnaces in comparison with the induction furnaces

1. Reduction of the electric power specific consumption on 15 … 18 % for the AC electric furnaces and on 25 … 30 % for the DC electric furnaces.
2. Reduction of the waste of metal on 1,5 % - only for the DC electric furnaces, for the AC electric furnaces it is oppositely observed some increasing of the waste of metal in comparison with the induction furnaces.
3. Increasing of the lining performance in 5 … 7 times for the AC electric furnaces and in 15 … 20 times for the DC electric furnaces.
4. Reduction of the nonmetallic inclusions quantity, large inclusions are completely absent.
5. Casting waste decreases more than twice (only for the DC electric furnaces).
6. An opportunity of the electric arc furnace switching-on / switching-off at the any moment without charge loss.
7. An opportunity of the incomplete charging of the electric furnace bath:
- for the induction furnace - not less than 80 % of nominal capacity, with smaller charging it does not work;
- for the arc furnace - not less than 20 % of nominal capacity.
8. In addition it is necessary to note following lacks of the crucible induction electric furnaces.
8.1. Rather cold slag which complicates the reactions between metal and slag and, hence, complicates the refinement processes.
8.2. Lower efficiency of the whole unit, including a source of the raised frequency and condensers.
8.3. The expensive and complex equipment which accompany crucible induction furnaces installation and large working costs on its service, the necessity of high qualification of the attendants.
8.4. The induction electric furnace has the raised threat of the explosibility.