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By George Schipper, Peter Gelten, Pepijn Adriaen, Hugo Uijtdebroeks

Tata Steel IJmuiden Hot Strip Mill 2 (HSM2, 5.5 Mtonnes/yr) is currently being upgraded, resulting in an increased rolling force and motor power capacity. With the current conventional work roll spray cooling, a deterioration in work roll & strip surface quality performance is expected as a result of the increased mill capacities. In order to improve strip surface quality, HSM2 decided to do a full-scale production trial with High Turbulence Roll Cooling (HTRC) at stand FM2. HTRC is a novel way of roll cooling using a high turbulent flow regime. HTRC is positioned very close to the roll surface and gap exit, which is beneficial for the roll surface quality. It is operated at a high flow rate but at a low pressure. HTRC not only significantly improves the roll surface quality, in addition, it makes high pressure pumps, needed for the conventional spray cooling, redundant, leading to substantial savings on electricity costs and thus CO2 emissions. HTRC is in trial operation since 7 August 2018. Results show no operational issues, an excellent roll surface quality and an increased cooling efficiency. In summer 2020 stands FM1-FM2-FM3-FM4 of HSM2 will be equipped with HTRC.

Oct 1, 2019

By Andrea Pezza

The steel market is experiencing a difficult conjuncture: on the one hand steel producers minimize their investments while optimizing their over- production, on the other hand suppliers reduce their internal human resources and capacity in order to overcome the instability of the new era. A return to the steel production levels of the past is not expected in the short term. Research, development and plant concept optimization is one recipe to drive the future of the steel business. This article describes a new concept for a VOD plant developed as a result of thorough investigation and assessment of all possible solutions. A joint and tight cooperation with the final customer was necessary to reaching important results. This article consists of the contributions from the plant suppliers in terms of their experience and feedback, as well as the final user’s. The final customer, voestalpine Giesserei Linz GmbH, and the plant supplier, Primetals Technologies, are both worldwide players and highly focused on reaching best quality and innovation.

Oct 30, 2017

By Yuechang Wang

A new method of manufacturing the wavy-tilt-dam(WTD) mechanical seal has been mentioned. In this method, the special equipment is designed to provide a predetermined force to external and inner circular surface of the ring. After milling the end face of the seal by grinding miller and releasing the preload, the wavy-tilt-dam can be done on the seal surface. In this paper, a prediction model is built up to investigate the relationship between the predetermined force and the deformation on the surface of the ring by using ANSYS software. A WTD ring is manufactured by this method which approves that the prediction model is in accord with the real process and this manufacturing method of the WTD mechanical seal is a proper choice.

Jul 31, 2018

By Giuseppe Pintaude

This study aims to evaluate the effect of specimen preparation on the dry sliding wear behavior of CA-6 NM stainless steel. Two different surface finishing manufacturing processes were applied: lapping and metallographic polishing. The wear tests were conducted in reciprocating ball-on-flat system, performed for two loads: 5 or 8 N. For all test conditions, hardmetal ball was employed as counterbody. The surfaces were evaluated using 3D interferometry technique to determine their surface roughness, including texture analysis regarding isotropy. Surface characterization results indicated the presence of texturing and preferential orientation, since the parameter Str was smaller than 0.5 for samples of both the studied conditions. Two distinct levels of isotropy evaluated through Str parameter were achieved: 0.13 for lapping and 0.3 for metallographic polishing process. It is clear from wear tests that the variation of average surface roughness is the key point for tribological behavior of CA-6 NM stainless steel.

Jul 31, 2018

By Mario SINNAEVE, Olivier LEMAIRE, Gisèle WALMAG, Sébastien FLAMENT

Many hot rolling mills worldwide face nowadays bonding zone fatigue problems before reaching scrap diameter of the work rolls. This phenomenon is nowadays known to occur in reversing roughing mills both in stainless steel and in carbon steel rolling. The phenomenon can be explained through longer rolling campaigns, inadequate backup or work roll maintenance, harder steel grades or increased throughput by reduced amount of passes to achieve the same thickness. In order to help users in optimizing the roll use, we developed a numerical tool to evaluate and optimize roll maintenance. This paper will review the influence of roll geometries on stresses generated at the roll surface but also at the bonding zone. We will also show how roll geometries can decrease contact fatigue damages by modifying crowning and chamfering procedures, shell thickness, material design or campaign length

Oct 1, 2019

By Diego Pacheco Wermuth

Micrometric surgical components typically have high geometric complexity and stringent regulatory specifications. These components need to have excellent mechanical properties and a high demand of products. Besides these factors, it is necessary to maintain a low manufacturing cost, performing essential research on new manufacturing technologies. Metal Injection Molding (MIM) is a process that has been explored , providing an interesting alternative for making medical devices. The research in the production of microcomponents obtained for MIM is gaining momentum and prominence, due to low cost and high productivity of this process. This paper is a study and development of feedstocks with AISI 316L alloy , which is known for its biocompatibility. Four feedstocks with 61%vol. of metal powder were analyzed by capillary rheometry and DSC/TGA.

Aug 16, 2017

By Marco Antonio Meggiolaro

Most cyclic plasticity models used in multiaxial fatigue life predictions are based on a concept of a yield surface, which divides the elastic and plastic domains. Plastic straining occurs when the stress state reaches the surface and tries to move outward. Subsequent plastic straining causes the stress state to remain on the yield surface, which will translate to prevent the stress point from moving outside it according to a kinematic hardening rule that models the Bauschinger effect. The accurate modeling of the yield surface shape is fundamental to predict stress-strain relations. In this work, the main yield surface equations for isotropic materials are compared. Even though most materials can be modeled using Mises and Tresca surfaces, other need to consider the effect on the yield strength of the hydrostatic stress or the normal stress acting on a critical plane. It is shown that pressure-sensitive models originally devised for concrete can be applied to predict yielding in some materials, and even fatigue life for metallic structures with short cracks.

Aug 8, 2018

By Ramon Valls Martin

A obtenção das propriedades magnéticas do rejeito do processamento do minério de ferro auxilia na determinação da viabilidade da recuperação do ferro residual. Também permite a otimização dos parâmetros operacionais do processo de concentração por separação magnética. Foram apresentados dois métodos de caracterização magnética: Método indutivo (histeresígrafo) e método de força magnética (balança de susceptibilidade). Estes métodos têm como vantagens o baixo custo e rapidez de execução. Apresentaram sensibilidade suficiente para a caracterização de amostras de resíduos com teores de ferro muito reduzidos.

Aug 16, 2017

By José Claudio Blanco

A medição de Planicidade sem contato (contactless) para Laminadores a Frio é efetuada com o sistema conhecido como SIFLAT. Os sensores utilizam tecnologia eddy current como medição precisa de amplitude entre o sensor e a chapa na qual será medida a planicidade. Os resultados convertido para valores de planicidade são de alta qualidade e precisão na mediação que serão posteriormente enviadas ao sistema de controle de planicidade. Este sistema é aplicado em laminadores de chapas a frio e linha de processo.

Aug 16, 2017

By Gustavo Elói de Sá Lima

A estratégia de manutenção de locomotivas da VLI sofreu significativa modificação após a implementação de propostas de consultores americanos, baseadas principalmente, na execução de atividades fora de oficina, realizadas em estruturas chamadas de “Track Service”, estruturas as quais contam basicamente com uma vala para inspeção na parte inferior das locomotivas. Dessa forma, foi possível capturar diversos ganhos em custeio e redução de investimentos, como por exemplo o aumento de periodicidade entre manutenções preventivas e redução do projeto da nova oficina de Paulínia.

Oct 30, 2017

By Rodrigo Fina Ferreira

This paper presents a mineral liberation study on two iron ore samples from the Quadrilátero Ferrífero, in Brazil: compact itabirite of low-grade metamorphism (CI) and friable itabirite of high-grade metamorphism (FI). The quartz liberation spectrum for both samples have been obtained through QEMSCAN analyses, carried out for several comminution degrees, to compare the liberation characteristics and to evaluate the evolution of the quartz’s liberation degree after fragmentation. The results have shown significant differences in liberation spectrum between the itabirite samples studied. The liberation process of FI was easier than of CI, due its high porosity and larger crystal size compared with CI, which has shown more complex mineral assemblages with low porosity and smaller crystals. The quartz liberation spectrum has shown that grinding at P95 of 0.210 mm for the FI sample, and of 0.045 mm for CI sample, should result in satisfactory liberation for subsequent concentration step.

Aug 1, 2018

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 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 Karl Berger, Roman Schneeweis, Dietrich Mathweis

With increasing demands from customers to provide flat strip with tighter tolerances on material properties, particularly flatness of e.g. martensitic steel grades (M1500), it has become necessary to develop strategies to improve flatness without influencing the tensile properties for such hard steel grades. Usual skin pass mills are not capable to apply sufficient tension and roll force for these kinds of material to improve the flatness. Therefore, alternatives had to be searched for. This paper describes skin pass - / temper – rolling methods from the classical one to new alternatives in order to satisfy the demanding market of higher material properties and idle running mills in rolling plants.

Oct 1, 2019

By Gabriel Andrade Medeiros, Christian Brugger, Paul Pennerstorfer, Daniel Fuchshuber, Reinhold Leitnerl

State-of-the-art automation technology enables digitalization of the continuous casting process that goes far beyond conventional automation of industrial production. Primetals Technologies provides a digital twin that combines an intelligent digital representation of a casting machine as well as the casting process and the slabs, blooms or billets that are produced. It allows metallurgists and process engineers to predict the behavior of the involved complex production process and optimize parameters before using them in real production. New steel grades or production processes can be evaluated off-line without any risks to process stability and product quality. Primetals Technologies installs the digital twin with every new installation of a continuous caster optimization system. This paper describes how the setup and simulation possibilities of the digital twin provide numerous benefits by modelling and simulating the casting process. It allows for example the calculation of material properties according to the actual composition, strand surface temperature profiles and dynamic soft reduction before the final point of solidification. An outstanding feature of the digital twin is the replay functionality provided for various models to analyze and further optimize real production situations. The paper also gives an example how usage of the digital twin optimized production at a customer.

Oct 1, 2019

By Jorge Alberto Soares Tenório, Denise Crocce Romano Espinosa, Beatriz Peralta Oruê

Manganese, a toxic mineral, related to manganism may have high added value for the steel industry. The difficulty in obtaining manganese encourages the exploration of new secondary sources such as the lateritic nickel effluent. In Brazil, nickel reserves are predominantly lateritic, making the country a potential producer. For the tests, a synthetic solution was used which simulates the lateritic nickel effluent from leaching. The oxidative precipitation with ozone occurred at the oxygen flow rates: 0.5; 1.0 and 2.5L/min, at the original pH 1.5 at 21°C in a 500 mL bubble column reactor. O3 was produced in the benchtop generator feed by 99% oxygen. The ozonation time was determined by the oxidation potential1.55V. The ozonated solution was centrifuged and filtered. The filtrate and collected samples were characterized in ICP-OES. Optimization tests with ultracentrifuge were performed. The best precipitation reached 97% at 0.5L/min O2 at 6.07 ± 0.045mg/min of O3 dosage and resulted in a solution 10-15mg/L Mn+2, above 1mg/L, maximum value acceptable by Conama 2011, to be retreated before being discharged into the water body or being reused as a manganese source.

Oct 3, 2019

By Danilo Gonçalves de Oliveira

A linha de Decapagem e Laminação a Frio da ArcelorMIttal Vega vem recebendo constantes investimentos para aumento da sua capacidade produtiva sendo o mais recente a instalação do quarto tanque de decapagem química realizada em março de 2015. Para que esse investimento trouxesse o resultado esperado, eram esperadas melhorias de desempenho no processo de Laminação a Frio. O presente trabalho expõe a metodologia empregada para identificar os projetos necessários e os expressivos resultados obtidos com a sua condução ao longo do ano de 2014.

Aug 16, 2017

By Carlos Alexandre Gonçalves de Moura

O trabalho se baseia na redução do retorno parcial de aço por temperatura na Aciaria LD com foco em análise estatísticas do processo, melhorias no projeto alinhado ao plano de manutenção dos componentes mecânicos e elétricos do sistema de aquecimento de panelas. Para análise do problema foi elaborado um estudo utilizando Lean Six Sigma através do DMAIC, analisando as condições de processo, procedimento operacional e plano de manutenção dos equipamentos. Como resultado do trabalho obteve-se uma redução em 58% no retorno parcial em panelas de aquecedor.

Jul 30, 2018

By Cláudio S. S. Pinto

Em face do agravamento da situação da energia elétrica no Brasil, com disponibilidade cada vez mais restrita e custo cada vez maior, torna-se urgente reduzir o seu consumo onde possível. Ventiladores centrífugos de processo de médio e grande porte são grandes consumidores de energia elétrica e podem ter um elevado potencial para a redução do seu consumo. Este texto mostra como identificar a possibilidade de economizar o uso da energia elétrica em um determinado ventilador e que modificações ele necessita para cumprir este objetivo.

Sep 25, 2017

By Leonardo Camilo dos Reis, Edmilson Fernandes Dadomi, Claudio Silva de Paulo

In the hot strip mill production, one of the factors that may affect the productivity is the occurrence of failure due to the geometry of the strip at the exit of the rolling mill, because the tip of the strip can turn-down or turn-up. This study had the objective of evaluating the behavior of the strip when leaving the working rolls, through numerical simulation, aiming to know the influences of the main variables that govern the formation of the turn-down. The methodology consisted in performing the computational simulation of the strip mill and to vary the operational and geometric parameters that could influence the process. The results showed that the rolling of hot strips of HSLA material with final thickness varying between of 3 to 6 mm and a reduction of 6.6% to 11.0% in the last stand of a hot strip mill, tends to bend towards the roll with larger diameter, higher friction coefficient , higher temperature and lower limit of material flow. It was observed that the variation in diameter is the main factor that contributes to the formation of the curvature of the front-end of strip. Based on these results, several measures were implemented in the industrial line, with a significant reduction in the occurrence of turn-down.

Oct 2, 2019