Efficient Stainless Steel Manufacturing

Important results from the project

The purpose of the project is to decrease unpredicted prolonged process time in the AOD process when producing more highly alloyed steel grades, by developing an optical temperature sensor connected to the process control system. One deliverable is to collect complete data, both process data and data from the temperature sensor, from at least 10 heats. Another deliverable is to adapt the measuring prototype for the harsh environment at a steel plant. Complete data, measured temperature data and process data, for 34 heats have been delivered, but the measuring prototype is not operable.

Expected long term effects

The results of the project showed that measurements of the converter flame can be done and these measurements can be correlated to process events, but at the current situation not to improve the process control. Measurements from inside the converter vessel provide more useful information about the process, but these measurements are much more difficult to maintain continuous measurements. The project has showed the most likely causes of the variations in process time when producing more highly alloyed steel grades, which could in the long term can have an impact on the steel industry.

Approach and implementation

The project was based on a previous measurement setup, which was modified to better withstand the harsh conditions in the vicinity of the AOD process. Preparations for measurements inside the converter were thorough to allow measurements. When these attempts did not yield the desired results an alternative measurement setup, measurement of the converter flame, were tested which was proposed by one of the steelmaking partners. The work with program for process simulation, TimeAOD2, was an important complement to the practical measurements.