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By Delio Amorim

Industry 4.0 concepts is the new biggest challenge on the industry nowadays and every company in every industry in every part of the globe is looking to implement this somehow on their factories and machines. To do that on the newest long rolling mills, that brings already onboard state-of-the-art technologies, is for sure a challenge of machinery builder industry, but how to become the long rolling mills built on 70’s, 80’s or 90’s part of this innovation process and connected to the new trends? This is the main mission here, to show some examples of applications that goes in this direction.

Oct 1, 2019

By Cameron Soltys, Hamid Ghorbani, Maher Al-Dojayli

Cooling staves in blast furnaces are used to minimize the process heat loads on steel shell and refractory system. Copper staves are exposed to significant fluctuating thermal loads which may lead to premature stave failures due to cracks, water leakage, bending, abrasion and resultant wear. In this paper, an assessment methodology is presented to evaluate the effect of thermal cycling on copper staves including bending, fatigue and thermal ratcheting. This approach incorporates temperature-dependent copper properties including creep and plasticity to more accurately capture inelastic deformations, damage and fatigue in staves under transient and cyclic thermal loading conditions. Root cause failure assessment and improvements to copper stave design can be assessed using the presented methodology.

Oct 1, 2019

By Kelen Juliane Mucelin

In order to better understand the tribological behavior of self-lubricating materials, Fe-Si-C matrix composites containing solid lubricants added during the mixing step were studied. The samples were produced by conventional powder metallurgy route, presenting total contents of 5%, 7.5% and 10% in volume of h-BN and graphite mixtures as solid lubricants. The composites were evaluated in terms of tribological properties, under reciprocating sliding conditions, and mechanical properties by using tensile tests. Additionally, the wear scars were characterized by Raman spectroscopy and scanning electronic microscopy. Higher total contents of solid lubricants greatly increased scuffing resistance however decreased mechanical properties. Furthermore, increasing h-BN contents reduces both properties. These results confirmed the applicability of such sintered composites as self-lubricating parts, reaching values up to 7000 N.m for scuffing resistance combined with ultimate tensile strength of 220 MPa.

Jul 31, 2018

By Lorena Cristina Amorim Moura

As coquerias enfrentam um grande problema que é a oxidação do carvão. Este fenômeno as afeta diretamente, pois deterioram as propriedades coqueificante do material, impactando na síntese do coque metalúrgico. Portanto, gerando perda de valor econômico, uma vez que as propriedades coqueificantes são fatores que determinam a atratividade e o custo do carvão. Sendo assim, torna-se necessário o uso de medidas para retardar o efeito da oxidação, garantindo a menor perda possível, desde a extração do carvão mineral da mina, até o carregamento nos fornos de coqueificação. Neste estudo em particular, definiu-se uma equação para previsão do decaimento de fluidez, que é a principal propriedade afetada pela oxidação, e matéria volátil de carvões em pilhas a céu aberto. Foi também desenvolvido o estudo do efeito da aspersão de uma camada polimérica para minimizar os decaimentos de fluidez e matéria volátil.

Oct 30, 2017

By Baltus Cornelius Bonse

Foi desenvolvido um composto de elastômeros termorrígido (ebonite) para a fabricação de um selo mecânico de vedação de hélices de barcos, para substituir os modelos comumente encontrados de cerâmico, que possuem alto custo e são fabricados no exterior, e de borracha com face em Teflon®, que apresentam problemas de adesão na linha de junção entre estes materiais, resultando em vazamentos. O composto de elastômeros deveria possuir dureza em torno de 90 Shore D, baixo coeficiente de atrito, resistência térmica, a abrasão e a intempéries marítimas, ao ataque de radiação UV e ser autolubrificante. A formulação que resultou no melhor produto consistia das borrachas natural, nitrílica, nitrílica carboxilada, e fluorada (Viton®), aditivadas com alto teor de enxofre (37,5 phr), cargas reforçantes, plastificantes e lubrificantes sólidos, entre outros aditivos. A aditivação e mistura das borrachas foram realizadas em misturador interno Banbury e misturador de cilindros aberto, enquanto a conformação e vulcanização dos corpos de prova e dos selos foram realizadas por prensagem a quente. Foram realizadas análises de curva reométrica, morfológicas por microscopia eletrônica de varredura, de resistência à tração, rasgo, dureza e de abrasão em torno mecânico simulando a pressão de vedação em atrito com o aço inox girando a 800 rpm. O êxito do selo ficou evidente, pois após a montagem em barcos, durante um ano tem realizado com sucesso a sua função.

Aug 8, 2018

By Thomas Germershausen

Worldwide BOF-based steel plants are faced with demanding environmental requests and rising energy costs. For cleaning of primary gases from the BOF the scrubbing technology is worldwide adapted. For wet-scrubbers there is a direct relation between pressure loss and achievable clean gas dust content. Subsequently main energy consumers within Gas Cleaning Plants are the driving fans. To evaluate actual performance and to identify optimization measures extensive field measurements at existing Gas Cleaning Plants were performed. The operational results from various BOF plants worldwide will be presented and benchmarked. As a conclusion, advanced control strategies for reduced energy consumption and lower environmental impact were developed and implemented.

Jul 30, 2018

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 Bruno Alves Resende, Antonio Adel dos Santos

Temperature, microstructure and dimensions are the main material parameters to be controlled during hot rolling of steel. Although thermal mathematical models have long been developed and applied for hot strip rolling, each Hot Strip Mill (HSM) must have its own model adapted to its facilities. Thus, a mathematical model for temperature evolution during rough rolling has been developed for the Usiminas HSM at Ipatinga Plant. The model achieved a high level of accuracy, which was assessed by comparing measured values of temperature at the hot strip mill entry with the calculated ones, the difference ranging from 9°C to 17°C. Application examples have shown that the slab can be occasionally stopped before start of rolling for as long as a couple of minutes without compromising its further processing. On the other hand, if the transfer bar stops after rough rolling even for short time, further processing in the HSM can be hindered, due to excessive temperature drop. In case of such abnormal line stop, the model can be used as a tool for decision-making to either continuing the planned rolling schedule or to changing the route, thus improving the overall rolling process.

Oct 1, 2019

By Klaus-Peter Kinzel

Staves Coolers de cobre proporcionaram uma excelente proteção da carcaça do alto-forno em áreas de alta temperatura. Isso resultou para que os operadores de alto-forno alcançassem alto desempenho em termos de produtividade e taxa de combustível, além de campanhas de mais de 15 anos. No entanto, nos últimos anos, alguns altos-fornos experimentaram um desgaste prematuro nos staves de cobre. Algumas dessas empresas se alinharam com Paul Wurth para investigar a causa fundamental desse fenômeno com base em todos os fatores de influência e, em seguida, propor ações corretivas. Estes resultados são discutidos e apresentados a seguir no trabalho técnico.

Oct 30, 2017

By Maycon Athayde

Samarco produces high quality iron ore pellets processed in straight grate furnaces. This process is essential in order to obtain adequate mechanical strength to the pellet transportation and operation in the reduction reactors. All mechanical properties of the agglomerates are obtained during the stage of firing where the slag and sintering bond happens, thus it is a decisive step to improve the pellet quality. Therefore, the velocity distribution of gas flow within this zone must have homogeneous and even velocity distribution. Hence, it was developed a mathematical CFD model to characterize the gas flow in the burning zone, applying the equations of conservation of momentum, mass and energy and an uneven flow distribution was identified and the gas velocity analyzed and validated through experimental data. On the other hand, on the present paper, an improved firing zone burner were developed and industrially implemented in a way to mitigate the uneven flow pattern detected aided by CFD. Different burner designs, based on CFD analysis, were experimented in order to succeed on the aggressive condition. The combustion was investigated and burner efficiency evaluated and compared with the simulation purposed.

Aug 2, 2018

By Maycon de Almeida Gomes

Fiber reinforced polymeric composites have received widespread attention in the past four decades because of their high specific strength and modulus. In particular, research works have disclosed the potential advantages associated with the use of lignocellulosic fibers as the reinforcing phase in polymer composites (2-3). Among various natural fibers, pineapple leaf fibers exhibit excellent mechanical properties. The main chemical constituents of pineapple fibers are cellulose (70–82%), lignin (5- 12%) and ash (1.1%). The superior mechanical properties of pineapple leaf fibers are associated with their high cellulose content (6). This work aims to make the analysis of the Izod impact energy against volume fraction of palf fibers of epoxy composites reinforced with PALF. The fibers were incorporated into the epoxy matrix with volume fraction from 0 to 30%. After fracture the specimens were macro photograph analyzed.

Aug 16, 2017

By Odair Mauricio Machado

A implantação do LIMS (Sistemas de Gerenciamento de Informações de Laboratório) surgiu da necessidade do Laboratório ArcelorMittal Vega se atualizar tecnologicamente afim de melhorar rastreabilidade de informações e sistematizar a execução de atividades dentro do Laboratório. Os colaboradores destinavam muito tempo à manipulação de planilhas utilizadas no armazenamento e controle das análises, deixando o negócio vulnerável aos requisitos da Norma ISO / TS 16949 em todo o Laboratório. Anterior ao sistema, todo o cadastro, controle e gestão dos ensaios eram realizados em planilhas, que são mantidos pela equipe do Laboratório. Os maiores impactos no uso das planilhas são caracterizados pelos erros de transcrição de dados e cálculo manual de resultados nas diversas etapas do processo, potencializando assim a incidência de erros e muito tempo dos colaboradores envolvidos na gestão dos documentos. O trabalho demonstra o processo de implantação do LIMS no Laboratório, sua integração com equipamentos de analise e sistema de Nível 3, além de benefícios alcançados em termos de confiabilidade, redução de tempo para análises e benefícios para sistema de qualidade.

Oct 30, 2017

By Débora Ribeiro Lopes

A descoberta das grandes reservas de petróleo e gás ao longo da costa sudeste do Brasil representou um novo desafio tecnológico na história da indústria brasileira de petróleo. Entre as principais dificuldades pode-se citar: água ultra profunda, espesso leito de sal, alta pressão, baixa temperatura, ambiente muito corrosivo contendo contaminantes como o gás carbônico (CO2) e o sulfeto de hidrogênio (H2S). O objetivo deste trabalho é o estudo do comportamento eletroquímico de um aço inoxidável supermartensítico contendo cerca de 14% de cromo (Cr), em meio contendo 115.000 ppm de íons cloreto, 10 ppb de oxigênio dissolvido, com adição de 10-2 mol/L e 10-3 mol/L de tiossulfato de sódio. Para tal foram empregadas as técnicas de polarização anódica potenciodinâmica cíclica e microscopia ótica. Os resultados experimentais mostraram que ocorreu uma variação significativa na extensão da região de passivação quando tiossulfato de sódio foi adicionado ao meio, aumentando a susceptibilidade à corrosão por pites do material.

Jan 16, 2018

By Breno Totti Maia

In these hard days for Brazil steel market, all steel shops want to achieve the same goal, work with: productivity, low costs and high performance. In this scenario the Slagless® technology (which is applied into BOF converter) was important to reach these targets. After use has been reduced the number of times of tip exchange in more than 04 times. Was reduced too, the time to remove lance skulls. Lance keeps clean during all his life with record number of the life 1255 .Blow keep stable due strong measure control at the nozzles and more improvements are planning.

Oct 30, 2017

By Esteban Ruisanchez Rodriguez

In this paper we will discuss the process of the grain size customization of the EBT filler sand in relationship to the technical characteristics of the furnace and its tap hole. By customizing the grain size distribution, the glassy area formed on the top of the tap hole varies and supports differently the metallurgical pressure of the molten steel providing increased free opening speeds. Taylor made sand improves therefore the free opening rate, reduces the tap to tap time and increases the lifespan of the tap

Aug 16, 2017

By José Aparecido Pereira

The innovative methodology developed by the author allows the elaboration of an Angle Roll Pass Design based on the practical observations of the rolling process and applies mathematical criteria, using the Ekelund´s formula supported by Advanced Excel tools (Reach Goal, PROCV-PROCH, Macros) and AutoCad. The first step is the definition of the number of stands, roll dimensions, gear boxes reduction, initial stock, average reductions, spread factors, finishing speed and type of grooves. For each pass are calculated: bite angle, spread, section reduction, lost and gain of temperature, separating force, speed, torque and motor power. After these calculations and checking of the parameters, the program calculates the dimensions of the passes transforming the flat passes into shaped ones. With these dimensions it is possible to draw the grooves using AutoCad and check section reductions. This methodology was already used for the development of a new project and also to check the parameters of existing ones, with comparison of the results and has shown to be reliable in real and tested projects. It is an innovative process that is not available in known literature.

Oct 1, 2019

By Alexandra de Almeida Diego

O controle da transferência de calor é uma das principais funções que o fluxante exerce durante aplicação no molde de lingotamento contínuo. O fluxo de calor na interface placa / molde deve estar adequado aos parâmetros de processo e ao tipo de aço, caso contrário pode provocar preferencialmente alarmes de agarramento em aços baixo carbono e trincas longitudinais em aços médio carbono, podendo levar até ao breakout. Este trabalho tem o objetivo de caracterizar os filmes de escória aplicados em aços baixo (Filme BC) e médio carbono (Filme MC), ambos comerciais, utilizando as análises de Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV) com Energia Dispersiva de raios-X (EDS) acoplado e Difratometria de raios-X (DRX). As diferenças entre os filmes de escórias foram discutidas e relacionadas aos dados presentes na literatura.

Aug 16, 2017

By Detlef Ehlert

Energy efficiency is coming to the center of attention in the metallurgical and rolling mill industry due to increasing energy costs, limited resources and political requirements. Also, a green image and energy efficient production is a clear competitive advantage. SMS Siemag, being familiar with automation and measurement equipment, provides an energy data management system which gives transparency over the energy consumptions. All energy relevant media including electricity, gas, water, compressed air and further more can be recorded. The system is manufacturer-independent and allows the use of already installed measuring technology with the possibility of subsequent extension. So potentials for improvement can be recognized and energy savings can be estimated and proven after the implementation of the measures. Being familiar with the processes in the metallurgical and rolling plants, the system by SMS Siemag allows the assignment of the energy data to the production and plant data. Only by this connection, the data can be reduced to key performance indicators allowing authoritative evaluation of energy efficiency. The results are clearly represented on dashboards and support the continuous improvement process. The system also supports the energy controlling with an automatic reporting system, cost center assignment and in support with certification according to ISO 50001.

Jul 30, 2018

By Diego de Araujo Santana

O tamanho médio dos grãos é um parâmetro estrutural frequentemente estimado quando se está avaliando, principalmente, as propriedades mecânicas dos materiais metálicos. A American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) estabelece, nas normas ASTM E112 e ASTM E1382, metodologias para estimar o tamanho médio dos cristais de maneira manual e semiautomática/automática, respectivamente. O presente trabalho propõe, além de uma nova metodologia semiautomática, duas metodologias automáticas para estimar o tamanhão médio de grão em materiais metálicos policristalinos monofásicos, assim como um parâmetro para avaliar a morfologia dos grãos. O tamanho de grão G ASTM encontrado utilizando os novos procedimentos testados se apresentou muito próximo aos valores obtidos pelos métodos padronizados, que também foram aplicados e usados como referência para avaliação da representatividade das medidas. Desse modo, os métodos propostos se apresentam como uma alternativa viável para estimar o referido parâmetro estrutural dos materiais metálicos.

Aug 17, 2017

By Elham Kordzadeh

As the world’s reserves of coarse and high-grade iron ores continue to shrink, beneficiation is becoming increasingly important. The resulting concentrates cannot be used directly as feedstock for iron making, but require an additional agglomeration step. Pelletizing is preferred, because the uniform chemical, physical, and metallurgical characteristics of pellets make them a more desirable feed for the iron making processes. The heat hardening or induration of pellets is typically done in shaft furnaces, grate-kiln systems or on straight grates. Rotary kilns were originally developed in the late 19th century for Portland cement production [1]. The main development work for the successful adaptation of the process to the thermal treatment (induration) of green balls from iron ore was performed by Allis Chalmers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA in the 1960’s [2].The straight grate process, which was first used in 1955 at Silver Bay, Minnesota, was a dedicated development with the aim to pelletize and indurate magnetite (taconite) concentrate [2]. There are various important technical and economical distinctions between the two pelletizing technologies. The most important differences include that a grate-kiln has three distinct pieces of equipment, a preheat grate, a rotary kiln and an annular cooler, whereas in the case of a straight grate, the entire indurating process is done on one piece of equipment only. In addition, both technological solutions have differences in their recuperation systems, direction of air flow in drying, number of burners, form of pellet movement, etc., which cause differences in raw material suitability, process control, economical aspects, plant operation and product pellet quality.

Oct 30, 2017