Though it has been almost completely replaced by BOF and EAF steelmaking in many highly industrialized countries, the open hearth nevertheless accounts for about one-sixth of all steel produced worldwide. The open-hearth furnace (OHF) uses the heat of combustion of gaseous or liquid fuels to convert a charge of scrap and liquid blast-furnace iron to liquid steel. The high flame temperature required for melting is obtained by preheating the combustion air and, sometimes, the fuel gas. Preheating is done in large, stovelike regenerators or checker chambers, located beneath the furnace (see figure). These contain checker bricks stacked in such a ...(100 of 28334 words)