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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 Nigel Marx

In order to understand (and ultimately to predict) the friction reduction resulting from the use of polymer solutions, the rheological properties of model polymer solutions have been measured over a wide range of shear rates. Both temporary and permanent shear thinning have been observed. By using base fluids of different viscosities it has been shown that permanent shear thinning depends more closely on the shear stress experienced by the fluid than on the strain rate. Hydrodynamic measurements have been made on the polymer solutions using a compliant ball on flat lubricated contact that operates in isoviscous-elastic conditions. The measured friction values can only be predicted with reasonable accuracy if the measured shear thinning properties of the lubricant are taken into account in the hydrodynamic model.

Jul 31, 2018

By Patrícia Mundim Campos Faria

The process of particle size reduction by grinding is inherently inefficient and involves high capital and operating costs. In particular, ball milling is one of the important unit operations in the iron ore pelletizing process. The mill product, due to its physical properties, determines the efficiency of subsequent stages of classification, filtration and pelletizing, thus impacting the quality of iron ore pellets. The work demonstrates the application of the population balance model in the optimization of a full-scale ball mil circuit grinding pellet fines with the aim to evaluate the optimal solids concentration to improve iron ore pellet quality. Initially, detailed experimentation was carried out in a 25.4 cm diameter batch mill and a relationship for mill scale-up using a linear population balance model in wet grinding systems was established. The selection and breakage parameters and the specific selection functions were determined for pellet feed iron ore. It was possible to identify the non-normalizable nature of the breakage functions of the ore studied, which were modeled properly. Afterwards, as a result of incorporating the specific selection functions and breakage functions into the linear population balance model, it was possible to predict product size distributions in the pilot and plant scale mills (0.416 and 5.18 m diameter, respectively) from data obtained in the 25.4 cm diameter mill. Finally, with this scale-up procedure it was possible to appraise the plant scale optimization via laboratory scale grinding mill tests. The effects of changing percent solids were assessed in order to improve the industrial mill performance and the optimal value should be in the range from 76 to 80%.

Aug 1, 2018

By Zou Zhongpping

Under the new normal state, blast furnace outputneeds to be adapted to the market demand, however the limitation in blast furnace output has significant impact on blast furnace operation and is prone to cause inactive furnace hearth and higher fuel ratio. To address such problems, some practices to maintain stable and smooth operation of blast furnace in case of output limitation are proposed based on data analysis philosophy, which allows the blast flow and hence the top pressure to be determined based on the hot metal output, and adequate kinetic energy of blast supply can be assured by adjusting the tuyeres. Matching between the oxygen enrichment and the pulverized coal injection is also proposed based on theoretical flametemperature, and burden distribution cycle calculation method is proposed, whichoffersnew approach for analyzing the change in burden distribution pattern.

Oct 30, 2017

By Paolo Demetlika

In this paper it is shown how the “Zero Operator” concept on the casting floor has been reached by adoption of a standard 6 axis industrial anthropomorphic robot coupled with the most innovative machine vision technology. This has been achieved by automating all the operations related to the ladle and tundish activities, including shroud manipulation, powder addition, ladle nozzle identification, nozzle opening by lancing, temperature measurement and chemical sampling. Q–Robot CAST family products are the result of the successful alliance between industrial robotics and the most advanced technology in process automation. This led, for each production area, to the introduction of flexible automation in dangerous places, even where some degree of human intervention is still necessary. By using anthropomorphic robots, human operators can be reassigned to safer environments. Furthermore, robots are suited to deal with repetitive and labor intensive tasks thus guaranteeing a high process quality.

Oct 30, 2017

By Breno Totti Maia

This work was a continuous and multidisciplinary development. Through studies of the blowing process and its parameters results, evolutions, improvements and adjustments were made on the lance’s hot face with Slagless® technology, as well in the process parameters and mitigating actions of the projection of materials out of the converter. The main results are the increase in the nozzle’s life with a “record mark” of 1785 heats, and water leakage occurrence in the cartridge decreased considerably reaching the mark of one year without any occurrence.

Oct 30, 2017

By Leandro de Jesus Jorge

O presente trabalho apresenta um comparativo da utilização de diferentes condições de tratamento térmico para soldagem do aço 80-HSLA. Neste experimento realizou-se soldagens multipasse utilizando o processo de eletrodo revestido, em diferentes condições de tratamento térmico adicionando ou retirando o pré ou pós-aquecimento de soldagem, a fim de se obter o comparativo dos efeitos nas propriedades mecânicas e metalúrgicas, encontradas em cada condição. Após a soldagem foram realizados ensaios não destrutivos para identificação de descontinuidades e ensaios mecânicos caracterizadores. Os resultados dos ensaios mecânicos e metalográficos foram conclusivos para afirmar que quaisquer tratamentos térmicos podem ser dispensados para a soldagem desse aço e, principalmente, o tratamento de pós-aquecimento de soldagem, e que a aplicação ou não desses tratamentos não alteraram significativamente a microestrutura do material e nem as suas características mecânicas.

Oct 30, 2017

By Felipe das Dores Machado

O estudo de simulação do escoamento do aço líquido no distribuidor requer não somente um grande conhecimento técnico dos critérios de similaridade, mas também uma correta aplicação das ferramentas disponíveis de simulação dos fenômenos físicos envolvidos. A complexidade do escoamento, tendo em vista a interação das inúmeras variáveis envolvidas, torna necessário um estudo dinâmico que utilize diferentes métodos que abranjam a visão de um todo do escoamento, aumentando as oportunidades de uma conclusão mais assertiva sobre os fenômenos ocorridos nas reais condições encontradas na indústria. Este trabalho tem o objetivo apresentar uma nova abordagem sobre a simulação da remoção de inclusões do escoamento do aço líquido em modelos físicos do distribuidor de lingotamento contínuo e como resultado será mostrado um estudo de caso comprovando que a utilização de um único método de modelagem física pode levar a compreensões equivocadas do escoamento.

Aug 16, 2017

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 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 Davidson Marcos de Oliveira, Antonio Adel dos Santos, Vicente Tadeu Buono

The benefits of using the controlled rolling process followed by accelerated cooling (TMCP), currently used in the main rolling mills in the world are already well known and metallurgically based. The need to obtain mechanical properties with a high degree of homogeneity means that in some situations the ends of the rolled material are discarded, negatively affecting the metallic yield of the process. Therefore, this work focused on the determination of the mechanical properties variation at the ends of thick plates processed by TMCP of steels for application in oil and gas pipelines, in order to map the extent of these differences and to correlate them with the microstructure obtained, the profiles of temperature and cooling rates in these regions. To perform the work, two slabs of the studied material were rolled, and the temperature profile was recorded along the plate in the controlled rolling and accelerated cooling processes. The ends of the material were sampled in sections at every 100 mm and subjected to tensile test, hardness and the Charpy V-notch impact test, as well as dilatometry and microstructure evaluations. For the used process conditions, the results indicated the formation of a banded microstructure, basically consisting of polygonal ferrite and bainite, occasionally containing small fractions of perlite. The mechanical properties in the top and the base were higher than the values found in the plate middle, justified by the microstructure found. The work allowed understanding the relationship between the mechanical properties, microstructures and process conditions at the ends, helping the team to improve the process in order to result in a high degree of homogeneity of the product and, thus, lead to optimization of the metallic yield.

Oct 1, 2019

By Sebastien Flament

More and more Hot Strip Mills are facing defects on their products that lead to a rejection of complete product batches by their customers. Several of those defects are induced by excessive work roll degradation. This paper is focussed on the understanding of work roll corrosion and oxidation mechanisms in a hot strip mill. Several laboratory trials (Hot rolling simulator, cyclic oxidation) have highlighted important factors influencing corrosion of work rolls as well as helping the understandings of oxidation of a work roll in the roll bite and along the roll circumference in a stand. The attention is focussed on several elements present in water used in HSM for direct roll cooling (e.g. chloride, bactericides, sulphates, phosphates) and their effect on roll surface degradation. The second part of this paper is focused on the understanding of work roll oxidation along the roll circumference. The effects of roll composition, roll temperature, water composition and water temperature have been studied in order to understand the oxidation/corrosion mechanisms in a HSM.

Aug 16, 2017

By Jeremy Fletcher

In today’s world, the requirement of Steel Producers to revamp and modernize their blast furnaces on-time, safely and with the latest technology is paramount. In addition they must meet the detailed design, construction and safety legislation and regulations, which can be different for the various countries around the world. Siemens MT is renowned for its ability to perform Blast Furnace rebuilds, relines and modernisations within extremely tight time frames and in a safe manner. Modular Blast Furnace construction concepts have been perfected to minimise project duration and plant downtime for furnace rebuilds. Safety and certainty are the keys for success. Siemens MT are constantly introducing new technologies into the market place including cyclone gas cleaning and triple external cone gas scrubber, along with step changes in technology such as dry gas cleaning and dry slag granulation. The economic environment and the continuing requirement for improved environmental performance, drive many of these innovations. This paper describes some of the latest rebuild reference projects of Siemens MT, along with the latest technical innovations installed on these furnaces, and some of the construction methodology used for a safe and secure rebuild.

Aug 1, 2018

By Pedro Jorge Walburga Keglevich de Buzin

The steel production in mini mills generates several process residues, among them the electric arc furnace dust (EAFD). This residue has as main elements Fe, O, and Zn, being classified as hazardous by the presence of Pb and Cd. In recent years, a rise in the chlorine content of this residue was observed, motivated by the increased use of scrap with impurities bearing this element. In this work, a qualitative assessment of the presence of chlorine in the electric steelmaking process is made. Complementing it, theoretical considerations based on the computational thermodynamics tool FactSage show the effects of the chlorine on the mineral species in EAFD and on gaseous species in the gas phase (HCl and Cl2). For this study, PVC polymer was used as the chlorine carrier substance which contaminates the EAF charge; presence of other minor elements in the system such as K, Na and Pb were also considered.

Aug 7, 2018

By Wolfgang Oberaigner

Primetals Technologies has always been a driver of innovation in steelmaking, especially by providing sophisticated process expert models for continuous casting machines. This capability is demonstrated by recent advancements in automation solutions that include: DynaPhase, Dynacs 3D, and DynaGap. This state-of-the-art suite of dynamic secondary cooling and soft-reduction packages take into account thermodynamic effects such as shrinkage and phase transitions, and thereby significantly contribute to direct quality improvements during the solidification phase in the continuous casting process. Speed Expert calculates an optimum casting speed for every casting situation, and additionally recommends a strand speed so that the point of final solidification is positioned at the end of a segment for optimum soft reduction. In the case of steel grade changes, the Intermix Expert precisely calculates the chemical properties of the mixed steel, thereby minimizing losses due to deviations from required specifications. The Nozzle Expert is a new model that detects clogged nozzles and broken hoses in secondary cooling systems. The first installations were highly successful and customers are pleased with impressive reductions in maintenance costs and improved steel quality. This paper describes these innovative process automation solutions and gives an overview about the successful results achieved within the first installations.

Aug 16, 2017

By Johne Jesus Mol Peixoto, Itavahn Alves da Silva, Marina Braga Campos, Carlos Antônio da Silva

A composição, morfologia e distribuição de tamanho das inclusões presentes nos aços têm forte influência sobre propriedades químicas e físicas como fadiga, usinabilidade e resistência à corrosão. Desta forma, melhorar a qualidade do aço implica em aumentar a limpidez do aço líquido [1]. Para tanto são utilizados processos (que apresentam diferentes custos operacionais) como o burbulhamento de gás inerte na panela e o tratamento no desgaseificador a vácuo RH. O presente trabalho apresenta resultados de simulações matemáticas bem como operacionais dos processos de remoção de inclusões através do borbulhamento de gás inerte e do tratamento a vácuo. É feita uma comparação entre as capacidades de remoção de inclusões destes processos, confirmando a maior efetividade do reator RH.

Oct 1, 2019

By Renato Luciano de Araújo Menezes

O objetivo do presente trabalho é evidenciar os resultados do incremento de superfície específica obtidos pelo roller press da Usina 3 da Samarco Mineração S.A.. A metodologia utilizada baseou-se em informações de projeto do equipamento e análises estatísticas aplicadas ao processo de prensagem bem como o desenvolvimento de um indicador de eficiência imune às variações de qualidade do minério. Basicamente esse trabalho buscou otimizar as variáveis de processo capazes de gerar melhores resultados de incremento na superfície específica do minério. (Como resultado do trabalho foi verificado um aumento considerável nos resultados de eficiência no incremento de superfície específica).

Aug 16, 2017

By Rodrigo Citrangulo Daniel Luiz

Este trabalho tem como objetivo demonstrar por meio de estudos técnico- científicos e de casos, como foram eliminadas as falhas devido a quebras dos elementos de proteção de sistemas de transmissão de torque (pinos de cisalhamento) no trem Laminador 2 (TL2) da Arcelormittal Piracicaba. A quebra de pinos de cisalhamento no TL2 são uma constante desde o inicio da operação do Laminador 2, sendo que diversas tentativas foram feitas no sentido de eliminar as quebras porem sem sucesso, o que demonstrou a necessidade de uma abordagem metodológica do problema. Este estudo, baseado na analise dos projetos dos equipamentos envolvidos e das praticas de manutenção adotada, orientou o redimensionamento dos elementos de proteção do sistema de transmissão de torque e o desenvolvimento de um novo sistema de proteção, utilizando o drive do motor para fazer a segurança do sistema de transmissão além da revisão e implantação de novas rotinas de manutenção nos equipamentos. O resultado obtido demonstrou a importância do profundo conhecimento tanto do projeto do equipamento quanto da avaliação e conhecimento empírico da manutenção de campo, conjunto este de informações que é indispensável para se garantir o desempenho dos equipamentos permitindo uma produção livre de imprevistos.

Jul 30, 2018

By André Alexandrino Lotto

A demanda global por energia renovável vem aumentando ao longo dos últimos anos. A energia solar é uma energia limpa e abundante, mas seu uso ainda é limitado por causa dos preços altos e baixa eficiência das células fotovoltaicas. O silício bruto, também chamado de silício de grau metalúrgico, tem sido alvo de muitos estudos visando sua purificação a um nível suficiente para aplicações de energia solar por processos mais baratos do que o processo convencional, chamado Processo Siemens. Neste trabalho, 3 kg de silício de grau metalúrgico foram fundidos por plasma térmico numa atmosfera de vapor de água, hidrogênio e argônio. O teor de boro foi reduzido de 10 ppm para 0,09 ppm em 18.000s (5 horas), mostrando que o processo poderia ser uma alternativa viável ao processo tradicional por via química

Aug 8, 2018

By Jose Pedro Gualberto Junior

Este estudo tem por objetivo analisar as causas de falha em cabo de aço utilizado na construção civil. Os cabos foram submetidos à metodologia de análise de falha. Foram realizadas inspeções visuais, análise de fratura em baixo aumento e em microscópio eletrônico de varredura, análise de microdureza, análise microestrutural em microscópio ótico e microscópio eletrônico de varredura e análise de resistência mecânica por ensaio de tração. Os resultados indicaram que os cabos sofreram severo desgaste e a ação da corrosão o que favoreceu a diminuição da resistência mecânica e a propagação de trincas planas por fadiga.

Aug 16, 2017