Mike Heath

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steel is readily recycled by melting it in an electric arc furnace (EAF)—a massive cylindrical heat-resistant container made of heavy steel plates (lined with magnesium bricks), with a removable dome-like water-cooled lid through which three massive carbon electrodes are inserted. After loading the steel scrap, the electrodes are lowered into it, and electric current passing through them forms an arc whose high temperature (1,800°C) easily melts the charged metal.[68] However, their electricity demand is enormous: even a highly efficient modern EAF needs as much electricity every day as an ...more
How the World Really Works: The Science Behind How We Got Here and Where We're Going
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