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By Zhisong Chai, Wei Xu

Q&P steels undergo continuous multiple processes, including hot rolling, intermediate heat treatment, cold rolling and continuous annealing etc. The inheritant effect of initial microstructure could affect the final microstructure and mechanical properties of Q&P steels. In this work, effects of different hot rolled microstructure/texture on the final microstructure and properties subjected to Q&P process were investigated in Fe-0.38C-1.58Mn-1.6Si system. Different initial microstructures were generated combing different TMCP and cooling strategies. The microstructure and texture of hot rolled materials were characterized in detail. The hot rolled material was subsequently processed by intermediate annealing, cold rolling and continuous annealing. The comparison reveals great effects of the initial hot rolled microstructures, i.e. inheritance effect. The faster reverse transformation would lead to more sufficient austenitization and it would greatly weaken the inheritant effect of the initial microstructure. Although the difference of final phase fraction for different initial microstructures was not significant, the inheritance effect was mainly reflected in the effect on austenite morphology. For the mechanical properties, no obvious difference in strength was shown for the samples with different initial microstructures after Q&P heat treatment, but there was fluctuation in elongation.

Oct 1, 2019

By Eduardo Montenegro

Apesar da relevância e interesse do tema de gerenciamento de alarmes na comunidade técnica industrial, observa-se que poucas empresas têm, de fato, implantado e conseguido extrair melhores resultados na eficiência e segurança operacional de suas plantas. O presente trabalho visa, a partir das experiências dos autores em implantação e acompanhamento de vários sistemas de gerenciamento de alarmes na indústria, discutir os principais motivos pelos quais estes sistemas falham em conseguir índices melhores em operação, monitoramento e gestão de alarmes. Além disso, propõe-se neste trabalho que estratégias, práticas e ferramentas sejam adotadas para que se consiga o máximo de benefício operacional ao se implantar e manter tais sistemas.

Aug 16, 2017

By Sander Mul, Michael Brandner, Armin Paar

Graphitic HSS roll grades such as ESW’s brand VANIMO can be considered as the latest developments for the last finishing stands in hot strip mills. These roll grades are developed on the basis of the alloying concept of (Carbide Enhanced) Indefinite Chill work roll materials. During the development of VANIMO, the amounts and types of carbide forming elements were increased and adjusted into the direction of cast HSS roll grades. The microstructure of graphitic HSS roll grades therefore consists of tempered martensite, cementite and several different carbide types as well as a well-defined amount of free graphite. The main purpose of graphitic HSS roll grades is to combine the high surface quality of Indefinite Chill alloys as well as the high wear resistance of HSS roll grades. Several systematic steps were taken to increase the wear performance from Carbide-Enhanced Indefinite Chill grades to the more advanced VANIC grade and further on to the highest alloyed roll grade VANIMO. In every development step, the surface quality of the roll grades was carefully monitored. The decision to invest in new testing equipment at ESW’s plant was driven by the wish to see microstructural effects of different alloys in a macroscopic dimension. Usually samples are taken from cast rolls and investigation is done in comparably small areas compared to the total surface of a roll. Rolling of strip is done with the entire barrel, so effects of alloy and microstructure can appear anywhere on the barrel surface. To ensure better understanding and deeper knowledge about influences of alloying trials we decided to install the last version of LRI (Lismar Roll Inspection). LRI includes the latest technology of Eddy Current with an enormous resolution. Depending on the formation of carbide precipitations, carbide network as well as matrix and free graphite, the EC test can detect smallest differences. The possibility to analyze the different results of EC and UT surface wave inspection will be discussed. A few examples of surface effects in the mill application will be discussed and improvement strategies explained.

Oct 1, 2019

By Márcio Lobato Genelhu

Este trabalho tem o objetivo de apresentar o modelo de recuperação refratária a quente dos regeneradores dos altos-fornos, através da técnica de solda cerâmica, visando o aumento da vida útil e evitando a parada prematura para a manutenção destes equipamentos. A aplicação da solda cerâmica prolongou a vida útil dos regeneradores.

Aug 8, 2018

By Denise Freire Duarte

Desclassificações de corridas por elementos fora da faixa de especificação do tipo do aço que está sendo produzido impactam negativamente nos indicadores da empresa. É esforço contínuo os projetos de melhoria e ações implantadas para a redução dessas desclassificações. Quando uma corrida é desclassificada, há um custo para refazer a corrida perdida, ocorre um processo de reclassificação que fica em estoque aguardando aplicação, perde-se tempo e pontualidade na produção entre outros impactos. Portanto identificar a causa raiz do problema e atuar em ações efetivas e bem implantadas são as chaves para a resolução do problema e melhoramento do processo. O fósforo é um elemento que deve ser controlado pois é item de norma para atendimento às especificações pois impactam na fragilização do material. Este trabalho mostra a análise realizada na busca da causa raiz das ocorrências das desclassificações de fósforo.

Oct 30, 2017

By Breno Totti Maia

Due to operational conditions and locations, BOF suffers variations in important parameters whose effects on the liquid bath are usually neglected. The present paper investigated two aspects: inner BOF pressure and oxygen temperature in the stagnant reservoir. The results have shown that oxygen temperature changes properties like density and velocity but has small influence on jet penetration. The BOF inner pressure has significant influence on jet penetration and creates a new challenge regarding nozzles dimensions considering overexpanding and underexpading jets.

Oct 30, 2017

By Jorge Madias

Se analizan las distintas alternativas para la producción de barras de refuerzo de hormigón: endurecimiento por solución sólida (“dureza natural”); endurecimiento por temple y autorevenido en línea (Tempcore, Thermex, etc.) y endurecimiento por precipitación (microaleación con niobio, vanadio o titanio) y su influencia sobre la performance de las barras, en lo que hace a la resistencia a la corrosión, al fuego y a los sismos.

Aug 17, 2017

By Luciana Lezira Pereira de Almeida

With the increasing use of ornamental rocks, mainly in civil construction, sundry problems were identified in relation to rocks cutting, such as efficiency in the cutting process and rock quality lumber. In recent years several composites have been developed to solve these problems. In this context, the study of the binomial matrix metal-diamond interaction is of paramount importance for the development of new composite materials to improve the efficiency of the cutting tool. The diamond impregnated matrix metal often reveals a reaction between the diamond surface and the matrix. Besides the mechanical connection, chemical reactions can sometimes occur. Therefore, this study aims to assess the achievement of diamond composites in the system Fe / Cu / Ni / Sn via powder metallurgy, with added CRB2. Analyzes have been performed to characterize chemical / physical and mechanical. The results have showed that addition of CRB2 promote significant changes in the properties of composites, especially in wear resistance and fracture toughness. Furthermore, the presence of the composite CRB2 causes a significant improvement in thermal stability.

Aug 16, 2017

By Stefan Wahlund, Tom Adams, Mats Söder, Zhi Zhang

By applying high-end rolls with utmost performance and superior surface quality, hot strip mills can be further optimized. Operations in the mill have been also waiting for improved roll solutions that can minimize required roll changes which impact production efficiency. Limitations are usually due to the low performance and surface degradation of the rolls in the late finishing stands (F5 – F7). VICTURATM is the most recent developed grade for rolls utilized in the late finishing stand at Union Electric Åkers (UEÅ). These rolls have been tested and applied in mills all over the world. A significant improvement over the enhanced ICDP rolls has been observed. Hot strip mills are realizing improved operating efficiency and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) through the transition of their entire roll inventories to these break-through products.

Oct 1, 2019

By Armando Vazquez

When water enters the EAF, some chemically dissociates to H2 while some remains as H2O vapor. Depending on operating conditions the levels of combustible gases (CO and H2) and H2O are continually changing throughout the course of any individual heat and on a heat-toheat basis. The EFSOP® system has been implemented in more than 80 installations as a powerful tool to reduce furnace operation costs but with water detection technology the off gas technology is a valuable solution to improve safety. This paper describes the latest results when using Tenova Goodfellow’s new standalone water detection technology that for the first time provides real-time analysis of both H2O vapor and H2 from start-to-end of a heat. It involves a newly designed water cooled probe and heated line that eliminates condensation during off-gas sampling and an analyzer equipped with a proprietary system for analyzing both H2O vapor and H2.

Jul 30, 2018

By Waleska Campos Guaglianoni

With the growth of nanoscience and nanotechnology, the synthesis of nanostructured oxides has received a special attention. Metal oxides are widely used in the manufacture of microelectronic circuits, piezoelectric devices, fuel cells, catalysts, filters and bactericides systems. These metal oxides represent a large class of semiconductor materials suitable for photocatalytic processes. In recent years, new materials of this class such as TiO2 and ZnO have been developed due to their photo-catalytic abilities to degrade various environmental pollutants. This work aimed to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of zinc oxide previously synthesized by combustion synthesis in solution using citric acid as fuel and different reasons fuel/oxidant. After synthesis, the powders were subjected to heat treatments at different temperatures and photo-catalysis. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by the degradation of a solution of methyl orange in a photochemical reactor of UV illumination, after which the transmittance of the samples measured with the assistance of a spectrophotometer. To analyze the results, a commercial zinc oxide was used as standard. The products of combustion synthesis in solution showed that photocatalytic activity varied according to the ratio fuel/oxidant and as a function of heat treatment. The results showed a higher photocatalytic activity for the products obtained with disabilities fuel in the reaction and heat treated.

Aug 8, 2018

By Afonso Cardoso da Silva, Romeu Thomaz Viana Jr, Emanuelle Garcia Reis, José Herbert Dolabela da Silveira

The Gerdau Ouro Branco Mill, three years after the implementation of its new plate mill, has started to develop high complexity products. The plate mill’s learning curve has been increasingly challenging since products are being developed to their highest grades. This work aims to present the first results of the development of steels of the strength class of 510 MPa produced by TMCP (Thermomechanical Controlled Processing) followed by accelerated cooling. These results show the potential and advantage of the accelerated cooling process regarding to obtain products of high mechanical strength and high toughness, associated with a low equivalent carbon.

Oct 1, 2019

By Beatriz Pereda, Ana Clara Fonseca da Silva, Tiago Seixas Bittencourt

Reinforcing steel bars are usually specified based on mechanical properties with flexibility in chemical composition and processing. Most developments, in these steels, are normally focused on alloy and process design to reach minimum cost and conformity to specification. Processing routes using quenching and self-tempering (QST) and accelerated cooling are the most common. Microalloying with V and Nb have been used in rebar. When acicular constituents must be avoided, a combination of Nb microalloying with judicious control of cooling is one of the preferred options. Niobium can contribute to improvement in tensile properties through austenitic grain size control during hot working, precipitation hardening due to carbonitrides or clusters, and hardenability increase. In the present work the alloy design and development processes of a Nb microalloyed steel for rebars are presented. The designed steel has fulfilled the required specification and is under regular production. Austenitic grain size refining – when comparing with the “basic composition” normally used was observed, even without any change in the thermomechanical processing cycle. There are indications that precipitation hardening may also occur. Results indicate that Nb is a good alternative as a microalloying element in rebars.

Oct 1, 2019

By Andrew Slifka, Pello Uranga, Douglas Glenn Stalheim

Structural steel final mechanical properties of strength and ductility are predominately generated by the final ferrite grain size/packet size and homogeneity of that ferrite grain size/packet size through the cross-sectional area. Forty to seventy percent of the strength components come from how fine the final cross-sectional ferrite grain size/packet size that can be produced.[1] All the ductility properties of structural steels for a given microstructure are predominately driven by how fine AND homogenous the final cross-sectional ferrite grain size/packet size can be refined.[2,3,4] One key ductility property of structural steels used in construction and energy transmission applications is fatigue. Both low and high cycle fatigue can be realized in these end applications, however, low cycle fatigue is typically the predominate mechanism. In construction applications the environment for fatigue is typically air, such as in wind towers or high-rise building construction. In energy applications, there is an interest in high pressure (5.5 – 21 MPa, 800-3000 psi) gaseous hydrogen as an alternative fuel source to fossil fuels. A project to study the effect of the cross-sectional grain size/homogeneity of a relatively pure polygonal ferrite microstructure on the fatigue performance in air and high-pressure gaseous hydrogen has been developed. This paper will discuss the project strategy, microstructure developed for the project and initial test results.

Oct 1, 2019

By Gilmar Ferreira Bataglia

The possibility of parameterization of hot tensile data together with creep data is investigated, for Aluminium Alloy 7475-T7351. This study represents part of a broader research program aiming at the validation of a methodology recently proposed for analyzing both kinds of data together, considering different metallic materials. The results presented in Part 1 of this work, were analyzed according to 4 traditional methods of the literature for parameterization of creep data, namely: Larson-Miller, Orr-Sherby-Dorn, Manson-Succop and Manson-Hafferd. The compatibility of the hot tensile test results with those of creep is remarkably good, indicating the possibility of using both kind of data together also in extrapolation schemes. The criterion proposed for equivalence between hot tensile and creep data is verified to work well also for this kind of material, under the present experimental conditions.

Aug 8, 2018

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 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 Johanna Alegría-Ortega

Cr/CrN bilayer coating was deposited on AISI 440C by Cathodic Arc. The composition and structure of the Cr/CrN coating were investigated by scanning Electron Microscope, X-Ray Diffraction and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy. The results show that crystal structure obtained was CrN phase with preferred [220] orientation. The hardness and adhesion of coating also were studied. The evaluation of erosion-corrosion (EC) on 440C bare and coated with Cr/CrN was performed by carrying out wear tests using a slurry jet with impingement angle 90° at 4 and 8 m/s. Corrosion, erosion and synergism wear rate were evaluated following the procedure described in ASTM G-119-09. This study presents that the synergism wear rate exceeds 40% of the total mass loss for coating and 60% of mass loss for the 440C, being the most aggressive wear component. The increase in impact velocity generated a rise in mass loss for both 440C bare and coated. The Cr/CrN coating offers better corrosion and erosion–corrosion resistance under all the tested conditions.

Aug 8, 2018

By Frenk van den Berg

In the manufacturing of steel strip for the automotive sector, the mechanical properties are largely defined by the process conditions in the hot strip mill. In particular the phase transformation, from austenite to ferrite, which takes place during the forced cooling stages on the run out table (ROT) after the finishing mill, governs the microstructure and hence the mechanical properties.In current practice, metallurgical models are used to predict the phase state at each position in the strip. These model predictions are supported by pyrometer measurements along the ROT. Although reliable in the majority of the situations, both measurements and models sometimes have difficulties in providing robust output. In this paper, we present a new type of inline measurement, which directly measures the amount of phase transformed. The instrument is based on a technique known as impedance spectroscopy. As result of a collaboration of different institutes and companies, the equipment is robustly running during several years exclusively in the Hot Strip Mill of Tata Steel in IJmuiden.

Aug 16, 2017

By Ernst Lindemann

Steel suppliers are required to deliver sheets with particular qualities and with lightweight-potential to the automotive industry. New types of steel call for new production processes. SMS group has developed a new micro-mill-concept, the core of which is the belt caster. This was first built on an industrial scale and has been put into operation and developed together with Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH. The robustness in industrial-scale operation could be verified. The full use of the belt casting technology, mainly related to energy efficiency and CO2 reduction, is realized with the micro-mill-concept. This is an in-line-process, casting and rolling in one line.

Aug 17, 2017