Level Measurement in the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF)

Reliable non-contact measurement for safe and ffficient Steelmaking

Accurate level measurement in the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) is a critical requirement for safe, stable, and energy-efficient steelmaking. The EAF is one of the most demanding process environments in the steel industry, characterized by extreme temperatures, heavy dust, strong radiation, and continuously changing process conditions.

Despite these challenges, precise knowledge of the molten bath level is essential for controlling the steelmaking process and ensuring operational safety.

Why level measurement in the EAF is so important

The molten bath level directly influences several key aspects of EAF operation:

• Electrode positioning and arc stability
  
• Energy input and melting efficiency
  
• Furnace safety and risk of splashing or overfilling
  
• Process repeatability and operational consistency
  

Without reliable level data, steel producers often rely on indirect signals or operator experience, which limits process transparency and increases operational risk.

Challenges of conventional EAF level measurement methods

Traditional or contact-based measurement technologies struggle in the EAF environment. Extreme heat, mechanical stress, dust, and aggressive atmospheres can lead to rapid sensor wear, unreliable readings, or complete measurement failure.

As a result, obtaining continuous and dependable EAF level measurement data has long been a technical challenge.

mecorad’s solution: Non-contact level measurement in the EAF

mecorad provides a robust, non-contact level measurement solution for Electric Arc Furnaces, delivering continuous, real-time information on the molten bath level — even under the most extreme process conditions.

By avoiding direct contact with the molten steel or furnace atmosphere, the system ensures:

• High measurement reliability
  
• Minimal maintenance requirements
  
• Long service life in harsh environments
  

This makes mecorad’s technology particularly suitable for modern, high-performance EAF operations.

Key benefits for steel producers

With accurate real-time level measurement, steel producers can:

• Improve process stability by maintaining controlled furnace conditions
  
• Reduce operational risks through early detection of critical level deviations
  
• Optimize energy input and furnace operation, improving overall efficiency
  
• Increase process transparency in one of the most challenging zones of steel production
  

Reliable level data supports both operator decision-making and advanced automation strategies.

From experience-based operation to data-driven control

By making the molten bath level visible and measurable, mecorad helps transform the EAF process from a largely experience-driven operation into a data-supported, transparent, and controllable process.

Accurate level measurement enables proactive control, reduces uncertainty, and contributes directly to safer operations and improved steel quality.

Measuring where conventional technologies fail

Level measurement in the Electric Arc Furnace remains one of the most challenging measurement tasks in steelmaking. With its non-contact, robust approach, mecorad provides reliable measurement data exactly where conventional technologies reach their limits.

mecorad – reliable level measurement for extreme steelmaking environments.

Learn more about mecorad´s Level Measurement.