Algoma Steel has achieved first steel production at Unit One of its electric arc furnace (EAF) facility in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.
This is the first heat from one of two new Danieli Digimelter EAFs, which will produce high-quality liquid steel using recycled scrap metal, with the flexibility to incorporate a wide range of other iron inputs.
Digimelter #1 is part of Algoma’s green steel shop supplied by Danieli. The facility is designed with an annual production capacity of 3.7 million tons of liquid steel, supported by two 250-ton EAFs. Both EAFs will be powered by Q-One digital power systems, each delivering more than 150 MVA. The melt shop will also leverage two existing ladle furnaces, along with a new Danieli twin-tank vacuum degasser, enabling the production of exceptionally clean steel.
The Danieli-patented Q-One power feeder enables continuous frequency variation throughout the melting phases, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing electrode consumption. Q-One enables direct use of renewable energy resources for electric steelmaking. The process is further optimized through the Danieli Q-Melt automatic process control suite, which ensures consistent energy efficiency.
The twin-tank vacuum degasser, equipped with oxygen-blowing, will support the production of advanced steel grades and further improve product quality of coil and plate applications.
The melt shop’s design prioritizes environmental performance, with engineered enclosures surrounding the two furnaces to reduce noise and emissions. Two new off-gas fume treatment plants, including baghouses and a dedicated recirculating water treatment plant, will provide filtration, emission control and water conservation.
The transition also includes an automated scrapyard, featuring automated cranes, scrap visual recognition, and automated scrap sorting and charging.