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By Renzon Daniel Cosme Pecho

O consumo do carvão mineral no mundo se encontra em aumento nos últimos anos, devido ao aumento dos preços dos combustíveis fósseis. No caso do Brasil, o carvão mineral é de baixa qualidade contendo, por exemplo, elevado teor de cinzas. Desta forma, o beneficiamento do carvão mineral gera uma quantidade grande de rejeito (RJ) que em contato com a água da chuva é responsável pela conhecida formação da drenagem acido. Alguns trabalhos vêm sendo propostos para contornar este inconveniente, alguns voltados para o aproveitamento do enxofre contido, outros pensando na geração de um possível condicionador de solos ou ainda na obtenção de absorventes para tratamento de efluentes. Dentro deste contexto, o presente trabalho estuda uma possível utilização do rejeito de carvão mineral do sul de Brasil através da extração de Ácido Húmico (AH) e a subsequente utilização deste no tratamento de efluentes. O trabalho reporta o uso da eletrooxidação do RJ seguido da caracterização do AH obtido por analise elementar e espectroscopia de 13C RMN CP/MAS. A etapa de aplicação do AH foi conduzida através de uma avaliação sobre a remoção de Pb+2 contido em uma solução sintética. A extração do AH consumiu cerca dos 12% da massa do RJ e a sua caracterização indicou um componente aromático de 54%, seguido pelos grupos alifáticos (34%). A proporção de grupos contendo oxigênio foi relativamente da ordem de 6% de O-alquilo, 3% de COO- e 3% de C=O.

Aug 8, 2018

By Edgard de Macedo Silva

Aços inoxidáveis duplex apresentam boas propriedades mecânicas e de resistência à corrosão, mas quando são colocados para trabalhar em altas temperaturas como no processo de soldagem e de tratamento térmico ocorre o surgimento de fases que comprometem as suas propriedades. Dentre elas, a fase sigma (s) é a que apresenta um maior efeito de fragilização por ser rica em cromo e empobrecer a matriz desse elemento, bem como por apresentar dureza em torno de 1000HV. No presente trabalho, uma metodologia não destrutiva, baseada na interação entre densidade de linhas de campo e um aço inoxidável duplex, é apresentada para o acompanhamento da formação da fase s na temperatura de 800°C em um aço envelhecido por até 2 horas. Diferentes intensidades de campo foram geradas por um eletroímã e o fluxo de linhas de campo foi aplicado no material de estudo. A densidade de linhas de campo resultante foi medida por um sensor de efeito Hall. Os resultados foram correlacionados com resultados de microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), dureza e difração de raios-X (DRX) e mostraram que os valores de tensão hall reduziram à medida que a fração volumétrica da fase s aumentou. A formação dessa fase não magnética influenciou no sinal obtido pelo sensor Hall. Existiu uma correlação entre a densidade de linhas de campo resultante e a presença da fase fragilizante, apontando para uma metodologia capaz de acompanhar a formação dessa fase.

Aug 8, 2018

By Antônio Donizetti Giuliano, Fernando Codelo Nascimento, Viviane Tavares de Moraes, Cilene Cláudia Diógenes, Erivan Cardoso Rocha

Nos lagos ornamentais geralmente tem-se a dificuldade em controlar o crescimento de algas, pois existe a incidência de luz e a disponibilidade de nutrientes provenientes da ração fornecida aos peixes, os quais propiciam o crescimento e o desenvolvimento das algas. Uma alternativa de tratamento é o processo oxidativo avançado (POA) existente, a ozonização, com o objetivo de propor um processo de tratamento de água para controlar a proliferação de algas em um lago ornamental sem prejuízos à comunidade aquática, vivente no lago. A metodologia utilizada foi o estudo de caso do lago que envolveu as seguintes etapas: construção do lago ornamental; definição do sistema de tratamento; monitoramento de parâmetros como: a demanda bioquímica de oxigênio (DBO), a cor, o pH, a temperatura, a amônia (NH3) e o oxigênio dissolvido (OD) do lago durante três meses; aplicação do ozônio para controlar a proliferação de algas e monitoramento dos mesmos parâmetros durante o processo de ozonização. Dentre os principais resultados encontrados citam-se: a redução de 170 unidades de Cobalto platina (PCU) da cor esverdeada da água do lago; descimento de 60% da DBO; aumento de 16% da concentração de OD e a redução de 80 a 100% da concentração de NH3, eliminando assim odores desagradáveis e melhorando a qualidade da água. Por meio dos resultados obtidos conclui-se a aplicação de ozônio em lagos ornamentais é uma alternativa para a manutenção aquática e melhoria da qualidade da água..

Oct 2, 2019

By Luiz Flávio Pereira Costa

O espessamento de lamas no processo de beneficiamento de minério de ferro é de fundamental importância para a recuperação de água de processo, pois 75% da água é recuperada nesta etapa. Além disso, a qualidade da mesma interfere diretamente no bom desempenho das demais etapas do processo, principalmente na etapa de flotação. Vários são os parâmetros que interferem para obtenção da clarificação ideal do overflow, como: pH, dosagem de coagulantes e floculantes, percentagem de sólidos na alimentação, etc. O pH pode ser considerado o mais importante, pois a partir dele é que se determina as dosagens de coagulante e floculante referentes ao ponto ótimo de coagulação reduzindo assim os efeitos negativos na etapa de flotação. O teste de sedimentação em proveta é uma forma simples e rápida de realizar uma análise da velocidade de sedimentação e clarificação da água frente a diferentes combinações dos parâmetros citados. A Samarco resgatou e implementou na rotina dos operadores da área de espessamento a realização de testes de sedimentação em proveta com o objetivo de reduzir o tempo decorrente de coleta de material, envio ao laboratório e espera pelos resultados. Após a implementação dos testes na rotina operacional, observou-se motivação da equipe em redução de custos, embasamento teórico e assertividade na tomada de ações, diminuição de incidência de eventos de má clarificação da água overflow e diminuição do consumo de floculante em cerca de 30%.

Aug 16, 2017

By Turíbio Tanus Sales

Este trabalho descreve a implantação do sistema IBA na fábrica de tubos sem costura da VSB, a mais nova e mais automatizada do país. O trabalho destaca os bons resultados alcançados utilizando o IBA como ferramenta de manutenção e da inovadora visão do IBA na VSB, aonde rompeu as fronteiras da manutenção e atingiu as áreas de produção, desenvolvimento técnico e qualidade. A implementação do IBA na VSB teve grande relevância para a eficiência do comissionamento e start-up da fábrica de tubos. A capacidade de aquisição de dados em alta velocidade associada às diversas funcionalidades de análise de dados propiciaram meios de aprendizado sobre o processo, identificação rápida de problemas e difusão de conhecimento. Todavia, na VSB, a ferramenta extrapolou os limites da manutenção e alcançou funcionalidades também nas áreas de qualidade, produção e desenvolvimento técnico. Outra funcionalidade desenvolvida pela VSB no IBA foi a capacidade de analisar oscilações de variáveis de processo ao longo do comprimento dos tubos produzidos e não só ao longo do tempo, como usualmente é feito. A capacidade do IBA PDA na aquisição rápida de dados possibilitou fazer ajustes finos nos tempos de ciclo de cada equipamento, deixando a medição mais elaborada e precisa, auxiliando a identificação dos locais que são gargalos de produção. A possibilidade de visualizar, com resolução de milissegundos, os eventos que ocorrem ao longo do tempo, ajudou a reduzir o tempo de análise e correção de falhas.

Jul 30, 2018

By Lucas Gonçalves Generoso, Larissa Rodrigues de Carvalho Rocha, Gerson Evaristo de Paula Júnior, Beatriz Fausta Gandra

A eficiência na redução dos minérios de ferro no alto-forno é governada pela estrutura e permeabilidade das camadas de carga. A zona granular do alto-forno é a região onde a carga mantém a sua estrutura estratificada, decorrente do carregamento, sob a forma de grãos sólidos. Nessa região, as condições de permeabilidade determinam o perfil de distribuição do gás e, consequentemente, a eficiência térmica e química do reator. Na Usiminas, foi desenvolvido um ensaio de permeabilidade que permite avaliar a perda de carga em leitos formados pelas matérias-primas utilizadas nos altos-fornos, buscando as condições mais favoráveis ao fluxo gasoso. A partir deste ensaio, foi possível avaliar cargas compostas exclusivamente por sínter, pelota ou minério granulado, ou ainda combinações binárias entre estes. O sínter apresentou a maior perda de carga, seguido da pelota e do minério granulado. Apesar disso, o sínter foi o material que permitiu maior acréscimo de vazão do gás. Os ensaios realizados indicaram que 5% de material com granulometria menor que 5 mm é o limite para a concentração de finos do sínter, situação em que foi observado acréscimo de aproximadamente 50% na resistência à passagem dos gases para as velocidades correspondentes àquelas dos altos-fornos. O leito de melhor permeabilidade foi formado por 95% de sínter e 5% de pelota, seguido pelo de 100% de sínter, sem diferença significativa entre essas condições. Em geral, a combinação de sínter e pelota é mais benéfica para a permeabilidade do leito.

Oct 1, 2019

By Henrique Lacerda Eleutério, Aldo Henrique de Almeida Barbosa, Vicente Tadeu Lopes Buono

The automotive industry’s interest in galvannealed (GA) boron steel for hot forming processes application has been steadily increasing due to its excellent surface quality, galvanic protection provided to the parts, good paint adhesion and better weldability in relation to other coatings for this application. In this study, samples of 22MnB5 galvannealed steel were heat treated and hot stamped on a water cooled die in laboratory scale. The influence of heat treatment on stability of coating and steel was assessed by using initial heating rates 11.0ºC/s and 15.0ºC/s. Microstructural evolution of galvannealed coating and structural integrity of steel during hot forming were investigated by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis (SEM/EDS/Line scan), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and optical microscopy (OM). It was possible to quantify the Fe-Zn phase evolution during hot forming, to understand the effect of these heating rates on the product properties and to establish an optimized heat treatment for hot forming of these steel. The heat treatment with the heating rate of 15.0ºC/s presented greater operational flexibility and final products free from surface defects or cracks in the substrate.

Oct 1, 2019

By Enif Gutiérrez Guerrero

Inclusion deposition is still a standing problem in the continuous casting of steel since the deposition of alumina inclusions inside the SEN affects the productivity and the product quality. The present work studies the factors involved in the inclusion deposition at the nozzle and the effects of inertial, gravitational, buoyant, pressure gradient, and Saffman forces on the inclusion trajectories. The results show that the inclusions reaching the nozzle, only 30% get deposited along its walls mainly at the Upper Tundish Nozzle (UTN). This area of higher deposition is identified close to a low static pressure and a high turbulent kinetic energy dissipation zones where the effects of the gravitational and buoyant forces do not promote a significant inclusion radial movement since these are aligned with the direction of the flow stream lines. In contrast, in this zone, the Saffman force shows an important effect on the deposited inclusions, slowing down the inclusions in the vertical axis and increasing their radial movement.

Aug 17, 2017

By Ismael Vemdrame Flores, Lindaura de Souza Cândido D’ Avila, Maurício Covcevich Bagatini, Arthur Felipe Lino Oliveira, Rafael Adriano Lopes Júnior

The use of pellet feed to adjust the chemical quality of the sinter is an alternative to the depletion of iron ore reserves. However, the addition of ultrafine in the sintering process can cause decrease of permeability and consequent drop in machine productivity. In this context, the present work investigated the addition of natural and ground pellet feed, evaluating its effects on cold agglomeration for sintering and quality of quasi-particles produced. Eight typical mixtures with industrial composition were produced in the laboratory, replacing Sinter Feed with different percentages of Natural Pellet Feed (NPF, 91% <150 μm) and Ground Pellet Feed (GPF, 83% <44 μm). The mixtures were subjected to cold agglomeration tests and the quasi-particles produced were evaluated by screening, shatter test, permeability test and disintegration into primary particles analysis. There was a decrease in the mean particle size of quasi-particles and reduce in permeability with addition of the ultrafines. The addition of NPF favored the layering mechanism in larger quasi-particles. The coalescence mechanism occurred for larger additions of NPF and GPF, being more expressive for GPF additions.

Oct 1, 2019

By Hugo M. Checo

Friction-reducing textures for lubricated mechanisms have received much attention since the advent of microtexturing techniques. In this work we consider the piston ring/liner contact, numerically simulating the rings as they slide against a textured liner. This situation has not been sufficiently analyzed because its numerical complexity is much greater than that of texturing the rings. Further, we consider the actual typical geometries of oil-control, wiper and compression rings, under realistic loads and velocities. The results show the possibility of friction reduction when the texture on the liner is properly designed, identifying starvation alleviation as a crucial intervening mechanism.

Jul 31, 2018

By Filippo Verlezza

Conventional wire rod blocks have some limitations. They can only roll with fixed reduction ratios which always require the same rolling diameters within the block. With MEERdrive® SMS, as a pioneer, has introduced an innovative drive concept for wire rod blocks that can overcome the limitations of conventional solutions. The clue: the concept is based on individual drives for each stand position. The exigent wire rod market demand and the available technology melt in a new variant of MEERdrive®, the MEERdrive®PLUS, which represents a sizing block solution for finished size rolling and allows conventional as well as thermomechanical rolling. Further “one family rolling” is also possible, since all roll / size changes will occur in this block.

Oct 30, 2017

By Satish V. Kailas

For product sustainability “closing the cycle” is the first requirement. If the materials used in making the product is not replenished at the rate at which it is being extracted, the cycle is open and the product would not be sustainable. This includes the materials used in generating the energy used to make the product, the transportation, use and disposal. If the materials used in a product, that includes lubricants, is one that cannot be replenished, it has to be recycled for the product to be sustainable. The other basic condition for sustainability is the eco-friendliness of the product. It is argued that the present lubricants do not fall in this category. Using the example of cutting oil emulsions we have shown that it is possible to meet the conditions of sustainability in terms of both the material extraction-replenishment cycle and eco-toxicity. Cutting oil emulsions made from coconut oil and natural additives are shown to have superior cutting properties and are completely eco-friendly. It is concluded that products made using these conditions are possible and is a necessity for man to lead a sustainable life. Closing the cycle, with respect to the energy used in the cycle will make the product completely eco-friendly.

Jul 31, 2018

By Alberto Lainati

The Bar Reducing and Sizing Technology has a core function in the value-chain for the production of rolled SBQ (Special Bar Quality) products. The EVO 2+4-roll is based on the compact combination of a 2-roll high-reduction module followed by a 4- roll low-reduction module for precise sizing. The EVO 2+4-roll mill, allows to gain significant technical and economical advantages in the hot- and post-rolling process routes: dimensional and surface accuracy, quick adaptability to processing variances and to small lots requirements, superior technological features of as-rolled product, competitive capex and opex. The EVO 2+4 unit has a very compact design, which makes it suitable both for new mills and upgrade applications.

Aug 17, 2017

By Yong Tian, Tian Zhang, Zhao-Dong Wang

To meet the requirements of high-performance steel plates, while reducing manufacturing costs and saving energy, the advanced cooling system for plate mill (ADCOS-PM) with functions of accelerated cooling (ACC), ultra-fast cooling (UFC), and direct quenching (DQ) was researched and developed by the State Key Laboratory of Rolling and Automation (RAL). Since 2003, several sets of ADCOS-PM device were developed and implemented in industrial practice. To fully utilize the ADCOS-PM technology, the combination of various strengthening mechanisms was promoted by NG-TMCP technology and low-cost, high performance plates were produced such as pipeline steels, and high-strength construction machinery steel.

Oct 1, 2019

By Leszek Maldzinski

The present concept assumes carrying out the process of controlled nitriding with NH3 alone. This is a simpler process than that using two-component mixes of ammonia diluted with N2 or NH3diss. The regulation of the chemical composition of the atmosphere in the retort, and therefore the regulation of the nitriding potential KN, is obtained through the variation of the inflow rate of NH3 into the retort. What is a completely new things in a relevant process, the inflow of NH3 into the furnace is at times reduced to zero, which widens the range of the gas composition in the retort (and by the same token, of KN). The amount of NH3 introduced into the furnace is regulated (controlled) with the aid of a gas analyzer (for example an infrared analyzer). The gas analyzer opens and closes periodically the NH3 inlet valve with a frequency maintaining a desired gas composition (a desired KN) in the retort. The concept was based on experimental and theoretical investigations in term of thermodynamic and kinetic of gas nitriding. Investigations were carried out in a laboratory furnace with a quartz tube and also in an industrial furnace with a steel retort and a circulating fan. Nitriding was performed using NH3, NH3+H2, NH3+NH3diss. mixtures. In an industrial furnace the supply of NH3 into the retort was periodically closed, though with an operating circulation fan. The studies demonstrated that the growth rate of nitrided layer depends only on the composition of the atmosphere, (or KN), in the retort. It depends neither on a type of atmosphere introduced into furnace (NH3, NH3+NH3diss. or NH3+H2) nor a type of furnace (laboratory with a quartz tube or industrial with steel retort and fan). The results proved also that entirely closing of NH3 supply to the retort does not affect the growth rate of nitrided layer. A detailed analyses of the results was performed in a paper.

Aug 16, 2017

By Jefferson Lisboa Lelis, Marcos Roberto Soares da Silva, Maiara Rodrigues Gouveia

Nowadays, due the development of new hot rolled strips at USIMINAS, established the necessity of realizing studies to define new parameters for the welding machine of new pickling line, in order to improve mechanical and metallurgical properties of these materials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the weldability of high strength low-alloy steel with low boron content with tensile strength above 600MPa.The influence of energy input and preheating temperature on the mechanical properties of hot rolled strips were analyzed at three distinct thickness (2, 4 and 6 mm). To perform these evaluations were used tensile test, micro-hardness, metallography (micro and macro examination) and scanning electron microscopy analysis. In resume, a good welding performance was achieved, increasing preheating temperature and the welding energy higher than 60%.

Oct 13, 2019

By Michael McDonald

The cold-rolled steel output of cold-rolling mill (CRM) complexes are sometimes constrained by their batch annealing facilities (BAF). This paper examines a cost-effective solution to increasing capacity and quality of the BAF thereby making additional capacity available for CRM output. The solution involves applying a structured system of scheduling and operation to the BAF, using a proven level-2 software model. The system presented has been applied to a wide variety of BAF with all the leading furnace brands. Whether using traditional HN atmosphere or 100% hydrogen, peak performance can be achieved when using a properly configured, on-line, physical thermodynamic model. Given that it is not practical to place a thermocouple in each coil that is being annealed, various methods have historically been used to estimate the time required to properly anneal all the coils in the charge. This paper examines how the latest technology, in wide use throughout the USA, uses a physical thermodynamic model to shorten average cycle times, thereby increasing productivity and reducing energy consumption. The paper also examines the benefit of building thermodynamically balanced charges to further optimize the BAF operation and improve quality consistency by decreasing mechanical property variations.

Jul 30, 2018

By Rogério Felício dos Santos

Nitriding of metallic materials using electric discharges generated during electric discharge machining (EDM) is a recently developed technique. The aim of this paper was to correlate mechanical properties of a nitrided layer produced in AISI 4140 steel by EDM nitriding with the type and amount of nitrides. A conventional die-sinking EDM equipment and electrolytic copper electrodes were used to generate the electric discharges. The electrolyte was a solution of urea in deionized water. Knoop microhardness profiles assessed the variation of hardness along the nitrided layer, whereas the elastic modulus of this layer was measured using nanoindentation tests. Optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize the nitrided surface. The results showed the formation of a nitrided layer containing iron nitrides with average thickness of around 25 µm. The amount of nitrides reduced from the surface towards the centre and these results correlated well with microhardness profiles obtained.

Jul 31, 2018

By Mühlböck Marlene

Increasingly stringent global environmental regulations are forcing steel producers to continually improve the efficiency of sinter waste gas treatment. With the Selective Waste Gas Recirculation (SWGR) system from Primetals Technologies, lower production costs can be achieved and the size of downstream waste gas cleaning units can be reduced for investment savings. SWGR features the extraction and reuse of hot sinter off gas from selected wind boxes along the sinter strand, which contributes to improved energy efficiency and off gas treatment in the sintering process. With the next generation of SWGR, Primetals Technologies can provide an energy optimized, emission optimized and environmentally friendly solution that meet customer requirements and country specific regulations. This paper demonstrates the latest developments in selective waste gas recirculation, especially results from pot grate tests and comparison from lab to real plant data. Furthermore theoretical finding and mathematical modelling is presented.

Aug 16, 2017

By Mariana Macedo de Oliveira Lima, Pedro Emílio Gazola, Andrei Locatelli

Boron steel is used in the industry due to its great wear and impact resistance. During the hot rolling production of 15B29 steel flat bars it is a recurrent problem that the bars will present warping while on the cooling bed. Control this phenomenon is an opportunity to have better productivity, preventing metallic losses. Through the observation of the macro and microstructure samples produced with different reheating temperatures and cooling rates, it was found the presence of residual stresses and cracks on warped bars macrostructure. The residual stresses appearance suggest that the material cooling is too fast. Billets temperature on the reheating furnace of 1230°C reduced to 1100°C and the production pace slowed down. Bars temperature when arriving the cooling bed was reduced from higher than 670°C to 625°C. The results obtained made it possible to produce the material with better quality, reducing the warping effect at the cooling bed. The major influence on the materials warping was identified as the cooling rate at the cooling bed and the reheating furnace temperature was adjusted to provide a homogeneous temperature along the bars.

Oct 1, 2019