Search Documents

By Armando Vazquez Arredondo

Tenova Goodfellow Inc. has successfully installed the proprietary EFSOP® (Expert Furnace System Optimization Process) system in over 80 installations worldwide. For over 15 years, the EFSOP® System has successfully achieved its main objective of improving performance and operating costs through the reduction of electricity, oxygen, methane, injected and charge carbon use. Using the off-gas information provided by the EFSOP® System, Tenova Goodfellow Inc. has now developed a solution for detecting abnormal water events within the EAF steelmaking process. When water form enters the EAF, it immediately forms into water vapor (H2Ogas) and a proportion of the resulting water vapour will further react and dissociate to H2. Effective water detection technology must be capable of detecting BOTH forms of water; H2Ogas & H2. Tenova Goodfellow has the technology to measure in real time and simultaneously H2Ogas & H2. This paper will provide a summary on how the EFSOP Water Detection Technology® is used during the EAF operation. Details regarding the technology, software, alarm rate and information on sensibility water trial tests will be provided within this paper.

Aug 16, 2017

By Andrea Codutti, Gianni Tiussi, Andrea Tonnicchi, Morris Codarin

Essar Algoma Steel, Canada, awarded Danieli Transimissions a strategic order for the upgrade of the main drive spindles belonging to the most loaded stands of the Hot Strip Mill, F1-F2, F5 and F6. Featuring special heavy duty design and advanced torque monitoring system, these spindles replace existing competitors’ grease lubricated design with the efficient continuous oil lubricated solution to withstand the tough working conditions, increase life expectations and provide room for a product mix extension. The first couple of spindles have been installed in September 2017 by the expert Service team and are showing already good and reliable performance. Progressively all the others are being installed.

Oct 1, 2019

By Daniele Tolazzi

In today’s highly competitive market situation, it is of outmost importance for EAF steel makers to optimise their processes in order to reduce operating costs and to improve safety and reliability of the equipment. The laser based off-gas analysis technology, With laser units installed on the fix duct, downstream the combustion gap, uses the “Tuneable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy” (TDLAS). The system performs real-time off-gas emissions measurements of CO, CO2, O2, H2O and temperature. A closed-loop operation is in place for dynamic control of the chemical energy package combustion/post-combustion of CO, H2 and CH4 gases into the EAF furnace shell. A statistical framework which builds on a data analysis engine, based on Danieli Automation Q3Intelligence technology, evaluates the “fingerprint” of the process represented by average and deviation trends of both gases and other process parameters. Process fingerprinting is conceived both for offline profile optimisation and on-line control of the refining process. This paper describes how the technology has been applied and the results achieved at ACCIAIERIE BERTOLI SAFAU (Italy) 100 t AC Electric Arc Furnace.

Aug 16, 2017

By Huang Qiming

The CISDI-GreenEAF innovatively applies the top-side-chute for charging for improving the cold zone of electric-arc furnace (EAF) requiring preheating scrap. It can greatly reduce the operating power consumption during EAF melting by combined use of fume for preheating scrap. The enclosed charging mode and specially-designed structure contribute to less emission of dust and fume during charging while enhancing the metal yield. Thanks to the extraordinary fume temperature control at scrap preheating procedure and fume quenching technology as developed by CISDI, for restraining the regeneration of dioxin.

Oct 30, 2017

In today’s competitive steelmaking environment, the optimization and continuous supervision of the blast furnace process is of major importance. Modern probes and process measurement systems can assess the specific operation of the blast furnace. They provide a better and detailed process understanding and control. The benefits are even more important when they are combined with process models and expert systems. Everyday operation, productivity and even the lifetime of a blast furnace can be significantly improved by collecting, interpreting and acting upon such process data correctly. Only a comprehensive knowledge of the various process phenomena together with measurement of process variables inside the blast furnace enables the operators to optimize coke and fuel rates, to run the blast furnace smooth, reliable, and safe, and to make best use of the available raw materials. While the improvement of the blast furnace process with respect to productivity remains the main task, also, the timely identification of abnormalities and the assessment of process variations is an objective. This paper describes the blast furnace measurement systems that are available for everyday automatic use and provides an understanding for the possibilities of modern probes. The different applications are daily blast furnace supervision, charging process optimization, and observation of the internal state. Finally, the paper gives recommendations on probe configurations for different blast furnaces sizes, considering both a technical and an economical point of view.

Aug 2, 2018

By Thomas Schanz

Current steel market conditions require small investments only to lower operational cost. SMS Concast has developed new products which optimize continuous casting process cost for long product steel production. This paper describes a selection of three products. All three systems are patented (patent pending for CONDRIVE). CONSAFE, a non-radioactive mould level measurement system for reliable mould level measuring on open stream casting CCM’s; CONSTIR-MWS, an improved control software for electromagnetic stirrers which lowers energy cost by 35%; CONDRIVE, a brand new oscillation drive system which provides the features of a hydraulic oscillator, however with a cost efficient electric drive.

Aug 17, 2017

By Edo Engel

Blast furnace No. 3 at Zaporizhstal in Zaporozhye is rebuilt in 2016-2017. The Ukrainian company is targeting increased production and availability, mainly through the use of new technology. Zaporizhstal awarded a contract for a new Top Charging Unit to Danieli Corus, after comparing all available technologies. Reliability of the chosen charging device is pivotal, since long outages may be required for maintenance/replacement jobs, which strongly affects the availability of the blast furnace. This article describes the Top Charging Unit including DANCU (Danieli Charging Unit) - a robust hydraulic system. The main focus employed by Danieli and Danieli Corus during the development of this system has been availability and maintainability of equipment. This chute type charging unit has only few major moving parts, none of which is complex or vulnerable. The article also describes the main challenges of the project at Zaporizhstal, such as the use of hot sinter.

Oct 30, 2017

By Uwe Wilhelm

Pittini Group has contracted Danieli in 2011 for the supply and replacement of the existing EAF at Ferriere Nord Plant in Osoppo. This was a very challenging project: giving the fact that the Meltshop was operating already under very high performance level, there were many elements involved for the project to improve (reduce the amount of charges, promote highest possible chemical energy utilization, allow best optimization on existing transformer power, modification on Drop Out box and Water Cooled Duct, Hydraulic System for EAF, Scrap Bucket design to fit to new EAF with existing loading and transport system, Automation System Review and Upgrade) as well as limitations of the existing installation (limited space, lifting capacity building and cranes and the required solutions for fast shell and roof exchange). All furnace parts, as well as installation engineering, were developed and discussed carefully with the Customer to either provide proven and reliable concepts, but also to define solutions for fast installation/maintenance access and quick exchange for offline turnaround. In the end, from disassembly of existing equipment up to the first heat of the new furnace, only 38 days were necessary. First heat was made on January 24th 2013, on the 6th production day 32 heats where produced at nominal design capacity and 28 days after start up 100,000 t liquid steel have already been produced.

Jul 30, 2018

By Edo Engel

Whereas only a handful of decades ago, typical blast furnace working volumes were below 1000 m³, such furnaces are currently designated compact or even mini blast furnaces. For certain business cases, however, small furnace sizes remain an attractive option. Decades ago, this size blast furnace would have produced a maximum of 0.3 Mtpa with its 600 m³ working volume over a campaign of up to four years. The current state of technology and operational know–how will allow a similarly sized furnace to produce over 0.7 Mtpa while achieving the multiple decade campaigns that have become familiar to steel producers in full sized operations. This level of productivity, but especially the reliability and supply security associated with mature technology, allows for integration into minimills or taking a first step towards a full scale BF–BOF integrated mill. Steel producers considering such scenarios, which are typically attractive for emerging economies, are confronted with fundamental decisions, one of which is for the technological basis for the compact or mini blast furnace to be included in the plant. This article addresses some of these decisions from an operations–based perspective. A small number of case studies is included.

Aug 16, 2017

By Claudio Fabbro

The increasing demand of wire rod high carbon grades for both small and large sizes are challenging the wire rod producers to enhance new technologies by combining high plant productivity and efficiency of superior quality finished products with extreme process flexibility. The possibility to change process route according to the final application of the rolled steel grade and to simplify production planning is one of the most important keys to success that distinguishes the mill plants developed by Danieli. This paper will focus on the most important metallurgical and process targets and on the in-line heat treatment technologies representing the core of Danieli know-how on high carbon grades production.

Jul 30, 2018

By Breno Carvalho de Oliveira

A prática da manutenção evita a ocorrência de falhas e reduz significativamente os ganhos na produtividade e qualidade do produto. Devido a sua importância, empresas de logística e operações ferroviárias tem buscado através da adoção de novas tecnologias, tornar esse processo mais dinâmico, confiável e eficiente. O presente estudo de caso aborda a implantação do sistema de gestão da confiabilidade Failure Box (FBOX), que utiliza metodologias e técnicas embasadas no tratamento de perdas pontuais e sistêmicas. O resultado deste processo é a padronização, disponibilidade e confiabilidade dos ativos, contribuindo assim para crescimento e otimização do sistema de gestão da manutenção.

Oct 30, 2017

By Wolfgang Linden

The emerging demands on higher steel grades call for improvements in the operation of production units and a corresponding increase in automated processes, and therefore international steel producers require viable functions. The avoidance of slag carry-over to secondary metallurgy processes is essential for achieving steel grade qualities and reducing alloys in order to compensate slag residues in the downstream unit. The automatic tapping procedure in BOF converters will be supported by the implementation of reliable measurements used in high-end steel plants. Automatic tapping will help to achieve the following: Reduced slag carry-over, improved yield, increased reproducibility, improved working environment and safety and operation with minimum possible crew. The automatic tapping procedure is capable of being implemented in new or retrofitted installations.

Aug 17, 2017

By Daniel Carvalho, Marcos Viana, Leonardo Demuner, Herbert Castro

Intensive process and technology improvements related to the BOF converter — the key process to increase steel plant productivity and stability — have been performed at Ternium Brazil. This paper details the road map for process developments and investments in equipment technology, as well as the results achieved. The main topics of this development are the process control and optimization systems, slag forming model, oxygen blowing pattern, end-of-blow point control and slag carryover control. The outcomes of this development are improvements in the reblow rate, end-of-blow oxidation, direct tapping, slag carryover, slopping ratio, metallic yield and lining life.

Oct 1, 2019

By Julián Andrés Ortiz González

Este estudo apresenta novos resultados que comprovam a confiabilidade e a repetibilidade das medições de cargas de abertura de trincas de fadiga obtidas em estudos anteriores [1,2], que foram usadas para questionar a hipótese proposta por Elber em 1970 de que a força motriz das trincas é a gama efetiva do fator de intensidade de tensões (?Kef). Para isto, dois corpos de prova DC(T), um fino com 2 mm e o outro grosso com 30 mm de espessura, foram usados em ensaios de propagação de trincas por fadiga sob ?K e Kmax quase constantes, para simular condições dominadas por tensão ou deformação plana. Medições redundantes de ?Kef foram feitas usando uma série de extensômetros colados ao longo do ligamento residual à frente da ponta da trinca, por outro extensômetro colado na face traseira do DC(T), e por um sistema independente de correlação digital de imagens (DIC), que mede o campo de deslocamentos na face do espécimem. As cargas de abertura medidas pelos três sistemas independentes foram similares, comprovando assim que suas variações significativas observadas durante o crescimento da trinca são metrologicamente confiáveis. Este resultado comprova que a propagação daquelas trincas por fadiga não foi controlada por ?Kef. As consequências desta conclusão são detalhadamente discutidas neste trabalho.

Aug 17, 2017

By Rogério Martins Pereira, Charles Pierri de Souza, Lucas Gabriel Correa

The Tandem Cold Mill is composed by stands with rolls positioned so that the rolling force can be transmitted to the strip being processed. Due to the mechanical stresses inherent in the process, the roll bearings are heated and are equipped with lubrication and cooling systems. Nevertheless, there is the challenge of continuously monitoring the temperature of the bearings, which would allow preventive intervention in case of overheating. This paper presents an in-house solution to temperature measuring system applied to the backup roll bearings of a continuous Tandem Cold Mill. The system uses Zigbee technology and is integrated with the main control system, allowing early diagnosis of bearing heating and proper intervention. Results and features of the system are discussed.

Oct 1, 2019

By Severino Albani Junior

A crise econômica mundial de 2008 obrigou as empresas a se recriarem para atender um mercado mais cauteloso e conservador. Isso demandou uma reformulação na maneira de executar as atividades e estruturar os preços dos produtos. Nesse contexto a ArcelorMittal Tubarão iniciou os trabalhos na área de gestão de ativos focada em manutenção, desenvolvendo um programa para melhoria da confiabilidade dos equipamentos. Dentro desse programa, foi identificada a oportunidade de revisar os planos de manutenção da planta. Essa revisão contempla ajustes no cadastro, criticidade dos equipamentos e revisão dos planos de manutenção no Sistema da Manutenção da Planta. Esse trabalho abordará a metodologia adotada para realização dessas revisões, considerando a formação das equipes de trabalho centralizadas, sua interação com as áreas de manutenção das unidades produtivas, critérios utilizados para revisão dos cadastros/criticidades, a utilização da Manutenção Centrada em Confiabilidade (MCC) para revisão dos planos de manutenção e resultados obtidos.

Aug 16, 2017

By Patrick E. Connell

During the ABM Conference of 2015 the latest design and process features of the new 3-roll RSB® generation were presented together with a unique Size Control System SCS® for a real time closed loop control to produce an extraordinary quality SBQ – day in, day out. In the past two years, Kocks has focused on improving the repeatability of the rolling process and developed technology to enhance the performance of its equipment. These developments include Fast Remote Control (FRC), Stands Adjustable Under Load (AUL) implementation of closed loop Size Control System (SCS), and finally a state of the art laser Gauge (4D Eagle) that pulls all of these developments into a complete package of quality. Gauges used in the past generally operated with the “shadow” measuring system. The latest gauge developments are based on the “light section” method. This method is more suitable to provide real time measurement parameters of the rolled bar. Placed close to the last rolling stand, the “light section” gauge is capable of measuring around the complete diameter with a clear definition of the bar stage in relation to the axes of the rolls. It is also capable of making these measurements using a very high measurement frequency. Following requirements of the market, requiring the highest gauge measuring frequencies which display the bar in the most accurate way even at the highest rolling speeds, the “4D Eagle” gauge was developed. This paper describes all the process features and parameters of this impressive and unique newly developed gauge as well as the other described technical improvements.

Oct 30, 2017

By Ricardo Tadeu Meneses Sodré

Laminadores de Tiras a Quente (LTQ) são equipamentos que realizam a transformação de placas de aço em bobinas laminadas de aço. Após a fabricação da bobina é necessário à marcação de todas as bobinas laminadas para possibilitar a identificação e rastreabilidade da bobina. A Arcelormittal Tubarão possui uma máquina de marcar automática robotizada que realiza essa identificação. Ocorrendo falha na máquina de marcar a identificação das bobinas passam a ser realizadas manualmente pelo operador, que não possui a mesma velocidade da marcação robotizada, ou seja, imediatamente ocorre perda de produção e após alguns minutos o gargalo se torna insustentável causando a parada do Laminador de Tiras a Quente. Um estudo minucioso foi desenvolvido através da elaboração de um diagrama de blocos funcionais (DBF), levantamento do histórico de falhas e tempos de manutenção, criação das curvas de confiabilidade e mantenabilidade e dos blocos de confiabilidade (RBD) para realização de simulações. Este estudo permitiu direcionar os esforços para os modos de falhas que mais impactavam na produção, reduzindo significativamente as falhas da máquina de marcar. Para sustentabilidade do resultado os planos de manutenção e inspeção foram revisados utilizando a Manutenção Centrada em Confiabilidade (RCM). O estudo proporcionou um aumento de produção de 15.207 ton/ano.

Aug 7, 2018

By Jürgen Schanderl

Cold rolling mills by SMS Siemag are well known for their reliability and long-life cycle. They are an investment in the future. Nowadays mill owners are under considerable competitive pressure and are asked to organize production in a more and more efficient and flexible way. Doing so, a number of elevating screws have to be turned. These are: cutting of operation costs, especially by more efficient equipment and processes as well as transition to more process flexibility to fulfil future product requirements. To support owners in their effort, SMS Siemag offers convincing solutions in cold rolling technology under the brand X-Roll 2.0. Examples to be presented are: Sieflex®-HT drive technology; Redesigned DS system; New reel design: Twin Reel; Emulsion compact unit ECU Compact; TRC® threading assistance system; ECOMode and Energy ADVISOR monitoring system.

Jul 30, 2018

By Severino Albani Junior

A Gestão de Ativos vem ganhando espaço no contexto industrial ano após ano principalmente após 2014, quando ocorreu o lançamento da ABNT NBR ISO 55000. Dentro desse contexto, o tema Manutenção e principalmente a Confiabilidade foram explorados pela ArcelorMittal Flat Carbon South America com o lançamento em 2013 do Plano Diretor de Manutenção e Gestão de Ativos. Este trabalho visa mostrar as etapas seguidas na aplicação de técnicas de Engenharia de Confiabilidade, os atores necessários para a realização do trabalho e os resultados positivos alcançados. Dentre os resultados está a definição da estratégia da manutenção focando a manutenção baseada em condição, possibilitando a otimização dos recursos envolvidos e influenciando positivamente na redução da taxa de falhas da Máquina de Lingotamento Contínuo 01 da ArcelorMittal Tubarão. Estes resultados também levam a expressivos ganhos financeiros, além de melhora da previsibilidade operacional.

Oct 30, 2017