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By Jens Kempken

A competitive landscape pressurizes the steel producers business, zero defect requirements from customers forces the operators for additional efforts in process control and quality management. The so called quality related cost, which include also rework, cost for downgrading or even scabbing of material is already a remarkable lever in a plants profitability breakdown. The introduction of advanced state of the art grades in the product portfolio requires already a budgeting for the expenses for R&D and quality management. PQA has been developed as a process and quality management software solution next to existing level 2 or level 3 automation systems. It is focusing on the analysis of process data, equipment information, in line quality measurement devices and trend analysis to obtain an answer whether the process is according to definition and expectation and whether the intermediate or final product can be shipped for further processing as prime material. Advanced analytics which are linked to an expert know how based configuration identifies deficiencies in the production and processing process. An intelligent, state of the art quality rating system evaluates tolerable deviations. PQA comprises the software platform including the database, data configurator and collector from the different sources in the production process and units. The core element of the platform is the knowledge based expert know how package defining process and quality determining fundamentals. The paper describes the structure of the software package, it gives insights on the expert know how package, process and quality evaluation and points out the customer benefits, cost reduction, improvement yield, customer satisfaction increase. The link to recent operational references is given.

Oct 30, 2017

By Marcelo Rebellato, Beatriz Pereda, Beatriz Lopez, Pello Uranga

The classical application of Nb microalloying in the development of thermomechanical processes for flat products has been related to its suitability to enhance strain-induced precipitation and get a pancaked austenite prior to transformation. As new steel grades or new lay-outs are being developed, more complex metallurgical conditions need to be evaluated. In this context, Nb microalloying, alone or combined with other microadditions, needs to intervene in a more controlled way in additional steps of the thermomechanical process, besides its conventional strain-induced precipitation role. For example, the hardenability enhancement associated with Nb to properly achieve lower temperature transformation products, demands a proper balance of the Nb amount precipitated during rolling and the one remaining in solid solution. Similar effects are also sought when the final available Nb is used to increase strength through precipitation hardening. This manuscript evaluates how changes in the rolling strategies affect the interaction between Nb(C,N) precipitation and austenite recrystallization at different steps of the rolling process. As the possible interactions between parameters intervening simultaneously are quite complex, the application of microstructural models helps to properly define the best austenite conditioning combined with the convenient amount of Nb in solution, as a function of the final property requirements. Along the manuscript, several strategies will be discussed for the case of hot rolling of flat products comparing both normal and coarse initial austenite grain sizes.

Oct 1, 2019

By Henrique Silva Furtado

Light meter is an ArcelorMittal innovation that uses off-gas light intensity to predict bath carbon, which is akin to the visual cues that the operators employ to finish a blow. Light meter enables the prediction of end point that is independent of any operator’s judgment. The results have been in general consistent with the actual carbon content at BOF end point at Tubarão. Besides some outliers that occurred due to strange intensity curves, the system implemented in Tubarão BOF 3 reported a carbon prediction error statistic that is very similar to dissolved oxygen–carbon end point statistics. Preliminary trials using light meter without any filter improved carbon hit ratio significantly.

Jul 30, 2018

By Osvaldo Guilherme Comineli

While the hot cracking of Cu-containing steels is a serious and widely known problem for the industry, the literature reports that copper only slightly impairs the hot-ductility measured in laboratory. A distinction is drawn between hot ductility and hot shortness and the respective cracking operating mechanism involved at the respective range of temperature. The representability of the laboratory assessment of hot cracking of Cu-containing steels by hot tensile tests compared with actual results in industrial practice is discussed. The effectiveness of the variable affecting in each cracking mechanism and respective temperature range, focused in improving the hot cracking assessment of Cu-steels and the relative importance of oxidation will also be discussed. It is concluded that the hot tensile test in argon might be a good simulation if properly interpreted and that the role of oxidation is secondary in causing hot shortness. A schematic diagram for the hot tensile test is proposed.

Oct 30, 2017

By Antonio Adel dos Santos, Carmos Antonio Gandra, Fabricio Mazola da Silva Paiva, Vicente Tadeu Lopes Buono

Abstract Usiminas Steel Plant in Ipatinga installed an accelerated cooling device named CLC (Continuous On-Line Control) in 2010, enabling it to supply steels produced by TMCP (Thermo Mechanical Control Process) technology. This technology complements the TMCR (Thermo Mechanical Control Rolling), with the inclusion of the accelerated cooling process after controlled rolling. There are various gains in terms of quality and productivity associated to the application of such technology. However, the flatness control for API steel becomes crucial because large thermal stresses may be generated due to thermal heterogeneity during the fast cooling when the austenite phase decomposes mostly into ferrite and bainite. In literature, there is lack of knowledge regarding a full understanding of the relation among cooling conditions and plate flatness. Therefore, this work has focused on the effect of the cooling strategy for API steels, aiming at optimizing flatness and keeping the mechanical properties within the specified ranges. The starting point was dilatometer simulation, where cooling conditions such as start cooling temperature, SCT, finish rolling temperature, FRT, and cooling rate, CR, were changed in order to evaluate their effect on microstructure. Those laboratory conditions supposed to give the best results were transposed to industrial scale, so as to produce experimental lots of plates with five different cooling strategies. It was shown the possibility to find a cooling profile that guarantees the balance between mechanical properties and flatness requirements. The influence of cooling strategy on flatness was explained by the varied heat transfer regimes occurring from hot steel surface to the ambient

Oct 1, 2019

By Roman Vaynshteyn

In places where Blast Furnaces are usually located, climatic factors may be unfavorable. Raw materials may be exposed to e.g. rain during transport/storage, bringing moisture into the process with consequences for stability and hot metal cost. This paper describes a technology for drying and pre-heating pellets and coke in the stockhouse. It does not require additional handling or logistical equipment and does not introduce extra transfer steps and degradation. Not only can moisture content be reduced, it can be controlled to a stable level by the operator.

Aug 16, 2017

By Jianping Li, Fei Peng, Yunbo Xu, Jiayu Li

In this study, in order to achieve ultra-high strength without reducing plasticity, a novel heat treatment involving a pre-quenching process prior to conventional intercritical annealing (P-IDP) was proposed in a low carbon low alloy DP steel. It revealed that abundant fraction of banded structure was observed after conventional intercritical heat treatment (IDP) due to the inheritance of cold rolling deformation. However, the banded structure in novel heat treatment was eliminated significantly, whilst the refined microstructure was relatively more homogeneous with ultrafine ferrite grains. Moreover, obvious chain-networked martensite grains along the ferrite grain boundaries were obtained. The optimum mechanical properties with ultimate strength of 1238 MPa, total elongation of 17%, product of strength and elongation (PSE) of 21GPa% were obtained by P-IDP treatment, which was much higher than the values reported with similar composition. As to pre-quenching treatment, all of grain refinement, homogeneous distribution of martensite islands and precipitated strengthening of microalloyed carbides were beneficial to improve the final strength and ductility.

Oct 1, 2019

By Nicola Santangelo

The current economic crisis and growing environmental issues have led the steel industry to face the simultaneous effects of low demand and production overcapacity in a globalized steel market, whilst confronting high energy prices and the need to comply with the green economy. Heat Recovery from waste gas of the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) represents one of the greatest opportunities to reduce the consumption of primary energy and reduce the CO2 emissions in steel industry. The heat of the off-gas, if recovered and converted into electrical power, can make the whole Fumes Treatment Plant autonomous from the electric point of view, thus making it a “Zero-Energy FTP”. The concept is to substitute the Cooling Components (Water Cooled Panels and Air Cooler) are substituted with Heat Recovery Components (Hot Water Cooled Panels and Heat Exchanger). The recovered heat can be converted into power by using an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) turbine. The heat recovered by the HWCP and the Heat Exchanger is characterized by a variable thermal power, which affects the efficiency of the downstream ORC System. Danieli, in collaboration with the University of Udine, has developed the Thermal Stabilizer Unit (TSU). Danieli has realized the first step towards Zero Energy FTP at ABS steelmaking plant (Italy) by installing a CHR® - Clean Heat Recovery. This plant has been started up on 17th October 2014. The HMI of the CHR® is integrated in the HMI of the furnace, so all the process could be kept under control by the furnace operator. At ABS recovered thermal power reaches 5.5 MW. The max power production reached with CHR plant in ABS (over 1MW of electric power) consents an annual saving of approx. 500,000 EUR.

Aug 16, 2017

By Stephanie L. Kaster, John G. Speer, Blake M. Whitley

Niobium-microalloying technology has been increasingly applied in a wide range of steel applications over the past half-century, to increase strength, control microstructure, enhance properties and enable a variety of applications. To achieve desired performance levels, thermomechanically processed microalloyed steels are widely supplied by the steel industry for high volume applications in hot-rolled plate, sheet and structural steels. However, in steel long products and forgings, the final properties are often generated by downstream users, after heat-treatment, surface hardening, forging or wire drawing. Two examples are presented highlighting advancements associated with Nb-microalloying, to enhance microstructures and properties developed during thermomechanical and/or downstream processing. In the first example, a 0.02 wt. pct. Nb addition was made to a medium-carbon bar steel intended for induction-hardening applications requiring fatigue and fracture resistance in bending and torsion. The Nb addition as well as thermomechanical bar processing led to beneficial refinement of both the pre-induction and post-induction microstructures. In the second example, a 0.01 wt. pct. Nb addition to a high-carbon wire rod was found to refine the pearlite colony size and interlamellar spacing, and increase the hardness.

Oct 1, 2019

By Livia da Silva Mello

O objetivo deste trabalho é demonstrar que a utilização da Metodologia Six Sigma e ferramentas de controle estatístico e gestão, são eficazes para controle processo, redução custos e estabilização de processos em geral. O coque dentre os custos variáveis do Circuito Polimetálicos, representa o maior custo para a unidade de Juiz de Fora e a oportunidade em otimizar sua utilização, foi identificada a partir do levantamento de dados e benchmark realizado. Observou-se que a média do consumo específico de coque grosso + coque fino no Forno Waelz, em 2012 era em média 360 Kg/t de pó de aciaria (PAE) tratado estava muito superior a outras empresas que utilizam a mesma tecnologia para tratamento de resíduos. Definiu-se então como meta do projeto atingir 210Kg/t PAE até 2014. Passando por todas as etapas de um projeto Six Sigma: Definir, Medir, Analisar, Melhorar e Controlar, todas as ações realizadas garantiram uma melhor performance da variável: consumo específico de coque, uma média acumulada em 2013 de 212,3 Kg/t PAE e 181,5 Kg/t PAE em 2014 proporcionando um custo evitado de R$ 11,6MM para a unidade.

Sep 25, 2017

By Bernardo Siqueira

This paper presents a unique stirred milling technology, Outotec HIGmill™, a modern, flexible and energy efficient grinding solution for fine and ultra fine grinding being tested in an industrial scale level. The test was performed at an iron ore pellet producing plant in Sweden (for confidentiality reasons, it will be referred to only as “the client”) where a pilot HIGmill™ unit (HIG25) was installed parallel to a conventional regrind circuit to compare its performance to the existing ball mill. By using a continuous test run procedure and evaluating the parameters of F80, P80, mill shaft rotation speed and power drawn it was determined its grinding capabilities, operational flexibility and energy efficiency. Outotec HIGmill™ outperformed the existing ball mill in the plant proving its capabilities to grinding finer, with steeper particle size distribution (PSD) and much higher energy efficiency. The tests performed showed that, with further refining of its operation, it is capable of consistently deliver the required PSD with up to 30% higher grinding efficiency.

Aug 16, 2017

By Fabiana Fonseca de Morais

A sinterização é um dos mais importantes e mais antigos processos de aglomeração da indústria metalúrgica. Entender a realidade atual do processo de sinterização e as qualidades requeridas para o sínter é primeiro passo para o desenvolvimento de equipamentos ou processo. Este trabalho visa entender o impacto das diferentes características de minério e resíduos empregados em uma sinterização, seu comportamento na qualidade do sínter e a sugestão de equipamentos para amenizar problemas encontrados. Parâmetros como CaO/SiO2, SiO2, Al2O3 e MgO são avaliados para entender a tendência do mercado e o efeito na qualidade final do sínter. A correta avaliação das necessidades da planta para otimização dos equipamentos a matéria-prima disponível se faz necessário para o melhor resultado no alto-forno. A granulometria da matéria-prima também é um ponto importante a ser analisado. O sinter feed tradicionalmente possui uma maior fração entre 0,7 e 6 mm, uma fração menor entre 0,2 e 0,7 mm e um conteúdo de ultrafino (<0,150 mm) limitado a 15%. Estudos identificam uma tendência do sinter feed com maior conteúdo de sílica e o consequente aumento da utilização de ultrafinos. Como resposta ao incremento de ultrafinos na sinterização as grandes siderúrgicas já estão investindo em equipamentos que minimizem grandes perdas de produtividade, como a instalação do misturador intensivo, utilizado em projetos da Pau Wurth. Outra solução inclui a instalação de uma mini-sinterização dedicada para receber este material mais fino e resíduos. O sínter produzido poderá ser adicionado diretamente no forno e/ou ser utilizado como nuclueante na sinterização grande para aumento de sua produtividade.

Aug 16, 2017

By Sidiney Nascimento Silva

O trabalho descreve os principais resultados dos testes industriais realizados na Usina Presidente Vargas, CSN, Brasil, envolvendo a adição de um catalisador à mistura de carvões, em termos da qualidade do coque e do processo da coqueria. O catalisador em questão é o produto Thermact, que possui partículas nanométricas em sua composição, fornecido pela empresa Abhitech Energycon Limited, Índia. O catalisador foi dosado e adicionado à mistura de carvões via correia transportadora, na proporção, em peso, de 1kg de catalisador para 4.000kg da mistura de carvões. Os resultados dos testes realizados nas Baterias # 1, 4A, 4B e 5 com a adição de um catalisador à mistura de carvões, sinalizaram a viabilidade técnica e financeira da sua aplicação no processo da coqueria. Os principais benefícios decorrentes da adição do catalisador foram: i) aumento potencial da capacidade de produção de coque ao redor de 10% ou, alternativamente, melhoria da qualidade do coque - aumento de 1,4% do valor médio do índice de resistência mecânica a frio do coque, DI150/15, mantendo-se o tempo total padronizado do processo de coqueificação, visando à preservação das Baterias, ou ainda, a utilização de uma mistura de carvões de menor custo, sem prejuízos ao atendimento à especificação do coque para os Altos-Fornos; b) aumento da geração e redução do consumo de gás de coqueria, GCO; iii) aumento na produção de BTX (Benzeno, Tolueno, Xileno) e redução da produção de alcatrão na Planta de Carboquímicos; iv) limpeza do sistema “PROven”, “goosenecks”, tubos de ascensão e paredes dos fornos, sinalizando a sua viabilidade técnica e econômica.

Aug 1, 2018

By Alberto Moreira Guerreiro Brito

Componentes tubulares de parede fina têm aplicações em diversas áreas industriais, na forma de trocadores de calor, amortecedores de impacto, sistemas de fixação, absorvedores de energia, pré-formas para outros processos de conformação mecânica, etc. Neste trabalho é apresentado um estudo de natureza teórico-experimental envolvendo o processo de expansão de extremidades de tubos. Busca-se determinar os parâmetros que governam o mesmo, suas limitações e se a conformação em matriz pode ser uma alternativa viável a processos mais complexos, como por exemplo, hidroconformação. É feita a caracterização do material (uma liga de alumínio ABNT 6061) através do levantamento de curvas de escoamento, perfis de microdureza Vickers, e deformabilidade quanto ao surgimento de trincas e de instabilidade plástica (flamblagem). Ao final são conduzidas simulações através de elementos finitos e experimentos do processo de expansão. São variadas características geométricas dos tubos e das ferramentas e o estado do material (diferentes tratamentos térmicos).

Aug 8, 2018

By Raíza da Silva Juvenal, Suelen Silva Rocha, Artur Ângelo Alcântara de Assis, Jorge Luiz Valença Mariz

Um estudo de viabilidade econômica deve considerar parâmetros e incertezas inerentes a um projeto para produzir resultados econômicos consistentes, fornecendo ao investidor uma ferramenta de tomada de decisão. O presente estudo objetivou efetuar inicialmente a avaliação econômica convencional do cenário realista de uma mineração de agregados em fase de implantação localizada em Pernambuco, cujo Valor Presente Líquido (VPL) obtido foi R$ 24.006.309,20, o que representa um resultado positivo. Através da metodologia de Monte Carlo foi efetuada uma análise de risco considerando incertezas em 100.000 cenários, nos quais nove variáveis assumiram valores estocásticos dentro dos domínios definidos, produzindo assim uma distribuição estatística do VPL ao invés de um único número, sendo ainda efetuada uma análise de sensibilidade para identificar e quantificar as variáveis que mais impactam no resultado da avaliação. Por fim, os dois fatores mais influentes identificados na análise de sensibilidade inicial foram isolados e submetidos a uma nova análise de risco em outros 100.000 cenários. Foi concluído que o projeto é economicamente viável e que a probabilidade de gerar lucro aos investidores é de 99,77%, embora a probabilidade do VPL ser igual ou maior que o previsto pelo método convencional seja de 49,98%.

Oct 3, 2019

By Jéssica Vicente Luiz, Rayander Martins Pimenta, Everton Pedroza dos Santos

The Hybrid Pelletized Sinter (HPS) is a agglomeration process that involves the combination of conventional sintering and pelletizing techniques and can be used with the purpose of obtaining improvements in the agglomeration stage of iron ore, and one of the great advantages of the process is the use of a wide particle size range of the ore. In this way, the superfines of low-cost ores, which are improper in sintering, can be used in the HPS process for the formation of the quasi-particle. The use of HPS with the sintering plants of the industries presented throughout the study, enabled an increase in productivity, decreased fuel utilization and reduced slag formation in blast furnaces. Thus, the present study aims to present a review of the literature on the Hybrid Pelletized Sinter (HPS) process and its main characteristics, as well as the results obtained by the companies that adopted the process.

Oct 1, 2019

By Douglas Leal Lemos

Na Aciaria-LD CSN obtém duas estações de gusa, chamadas de Estação Leste e Oeste. A logística de transporte do gusa produzido no Alto Forno até a Aciaria é feita através dos Carros Torpedos. Nas estações são feitos cambamentos dos carros para abastecer panelas de gusa, que levarão até os Conversores. Para efetuar este movimento de cambagem é necessário controlar dois motores de corrente continua e freios que obtém nos carros. Na UPV obtém vinte e sete carros torpedos em operação, assim o controle deve estar preparado para controlar todos. Antes da modernização o painel funcionava sem nenhuma tecnologia de controle e obtinha alto custo de manutenção. Em virtude destes aspectos novo sistema obtém conversores estáticos que controlam motores e controlador responsável para efetuar balanceamento de carga do gusa. Este projeto tem como objetivo garantir continuidade operacional do sistema além de gerar maior confiabilidade no equipamento e uma alta tecnologia para efetuar melhorias, analise de defeitos entre outros. O rendimento após a implantação é fantástica devido ao controle preciso obtido além da rastreabilidade de todas as variáveis do sistema e um custo de manutenção baixíssimo, tornando-se um equipamento no estado da arte.

Aug 16, 2017

By Carlos Renato Inchoste Meure, José Ernesto Boff

Nowadays, many companies have the idea where to be occupied is to be productive, this work aims to show with practical tests that to get the best performance of the machine with tools of high performance and yield is the best option for a company to become productive and economic at the same time . The company targeted for this work began its activities in the Metallurgical branch more than 75 years, Metisa Metalúrgica Timboense serves the national and international market with several product lines. Due to its large backlog of overdue hours, a job was started in the tooling sector to make the process faster and more economical. In this context, this work has as general objective the restructuring of the critical processes of the tooling sector, aiming at a better functioning of the organization and greater satisfaction of its direct clients. In addition, this work has specific objectives, such as (1) application of high performance tools, (2) analysis and improvement of existing processes, development and application of new processes, (3) (High Speed Machining) (4) production monitoring and technical support for maintenance of new processes. Thus, after the implementation of the process improvements, it was possible to obtain a reduction of 81% in the final cost and 80.5% in the process time. In addition, with some of the new processes deployed, there was a reduction in the use of personal resources and better management of machine hour load and a significant gain in the sector response time.

Nov 22, 2018

By Bruno Pinheiro Silva, João José dos Santos Carvalho, Flávio Túlio Busatto, Leonardo Passos Perdigão

Sinter has high participation in the blast furnaces ferrous burden in ArcelorMittal Tubarão, being therefore of paramount importance the constant control of its physical, chemical and metallurgical qualities, aiming at the fulfillment of the client required quality. With the great challenges faced by market conditions, steelmaking companies seek operational sustainability, aiming at stability and reducing costs. One of the main steps to obtain these results in the Blast Furnaces is the raw materials quality stabilization, in order to guarantee the perfect burden distribution control and a better use of the reductant gas inside the reactor, aiming a lower fuels consumption. It is known that the smaller a ferrous particle is, better its reducibility, since a larger surface area provides greater contact with the reductant agent. Based on this concept, the objective of this work is to quantify the effect of the sinter size produced in ArcelorMittal Tubarão Sinter Plant in its reducibility, and in this way enable the definition of a better sinter particle size distribution aiming at a balance between the permeability effects and gaseous yield in the Blast Furnaces. In addition, the reducibility effects on sinter size reduction were evaluated, where the 5 to 10 mm fraction was analyzed in two sinter samples, the first obtained from the conventional route and the second after crushing of the fraction over 50 mm, in order to simulate the effect of the use of a Secondary Crusher in Sintering.

Oct 1, 2019

By Abraão Santos Silvar

Reformadores primários são amplamente adotados em indústrias de fertilizantes. Nos tubos catalisadores que ficam localizados na zona de radiação ocorrem as reações que produzem o hidrogênio. Também nesta zona são localizados os tubos risers que levam os gases produzidos para o reformador secundário. A fluência é um dos principais mecanismos de danos que agem nestes tubos. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar os danos causados pela fluência em segmento de riser. Foi realizada análise dimensional, microdureza Vickers, ensaio de tração a quente e análise da fratura. Os resultados mostraram que a fluência foi o principal mecanismo de falha, sendo decorrência da exposição dos risers a temperaturas superiores a de projeto.

Aug 16, 2017