An arc furnace is a type of electric furnace that uses an electric arc to melt and refine metals. This furnace is commonly used in the steelmaking industry, where it is used to melt scrap metal and transform it into new steel products. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of arc furnace, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
An arc furnace is a type of furnace that uses an electric arc to produce heat. The arc is created between two electrodes, which are usually made of graphite or carbon. The heat generated by the arc is used to melt and refine metals.
Origin
The arc furnace was first developed in the late 19th century by French engineer Paul Héroult. Héroult discovered that by passing an electric current through a mixture of iron and carbon, he could produce a molten metal that could be used to make steel. This discovery led to the development of the electric arc furnace, which is now widely used in the steelmaking industry.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, an arc furnace is “a furnace in which heat is generated by an electric arc between two electrodes, used for smelting or refining metals.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “a furnace in which heat is generated by an electric arc between two electrodes and used for melting metals.”
Associations
The arc furnace is commonly associated with the steelmaking industry, where it is used to melt scrap metal and transform it into new steel products. It is also used in the production of other metals, such as copper and aluminum.
Synonyms
Synonyms of arc furnace include electric arc furnace, EAF, and electric furnace.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of arc furnace, but traditional methods of smelting and refining metals, such as the blast furnace, could be considered as alternatives.
The same root words
The root words of arc furnace are “arc” and “furnace.” “Arc” refers to the electric arc that is used to generate heat, while “furnace” refers to the container in which the metal is melted.
Example Sentences
- The steel mill uses an arc furnace to melt scrap metal and produce new steel products.
- The electric arc furnace is a more efficient and environmentally friendly way of producing steel.
- The company invested in a new arc furnace to increase its production capacity.
- The electric arc furnace can melt metals at temperatures of up to 3,500 degrees Celsius.
- The use of arc furnaces has revolutionized the steelmaking industry, making it more efficient and cost-effective.