The induction furnace has the following technical advantages over electric arc furnace.

i) Low requirement on the electric grid

ii) Relatively cleaner process and lesser environ related expenditure.

iii) Higher yields

iv) Lower consumption of Ferro-alloys

v) No cost on electrodes

vi) Lesser capital expenditure

vii) Lower space requirement

viii) Induction furnace is suitable for charging addition agents any time due to the charateristics of the

bath agitation.

ix) Has low load and no flicker disturbance

x) Automated application in a simple way

The disadvantages are

i) The requirement of minimal wall thickness of the refractory lining is having risk of crack formation

resulting in stoppage of operations.

ii) Induction furnaces puts more stringent requirement on the quality of scrap

iii) Decarburizing, desulphurizing and dephosphorizing is restricted due to refractory wear.

iv) The non metallic component of the charge materials is to be kept under control so that volume of the

slag remains under limit and does not have adverse effect on the lining.

v) Compared to EAFs, Induction furnaces of very high capacities are not presently available.

Table 1 Comparison of operating parameters with Electric Arc Furnace (EAF)

Sl. No. Subject Unit EAF IF

1 Electrical Energy kWh/t 490-510 540-550

2 Refractory Kg/t 4.1 -4.2 3.4-3.6

3 Electrodes Kg/t 2.4-2.6 Nil

4 Oxygen N Cum/t 15-25 Nil

5 Flux Kg/t 25-28 Nil

6 Dust generation Kg/t 6-12 1-2

7 Noise level dB(A) 95-120 82-86

8 Slag generation Kg/t 65-72 11-15

Electric Arc Furnace Induction Furnace

Consume more energy Consume less energy

Generate more slag Generate less slag

More initial cost Less initial cost

Cause more environmental pollution Cause less environmental pollution

Source: Comprehensive Industry Document on Electric Arc & Induction Furnaces