Digitized Refractory Lining Monitoring in Steelmaking
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 4 800 000 |
| Project duration | September 2021 - May 2024 |
| Status | Ongoing |
| Venture | Strategic innovation programme for process industrial IT and automation – PiiA |
| Call | PiiA: Data analysis in industrial value chains, spring 2021 |
Purpose and goal
The purpose of the project is to enable condition-based maintenance by monitoring linings in steelmaking processes. This would lead to fewer stops, material savings and increased safety. The objectives are to realize a sensor system and a data analysis model for this purpose, and to prepare commercialization.
Expected results and effects
The effects for end users consist of economical savings thanks to fewer stops for lining changes and reduced consumption of refractory bricks, as well as increased safety and less risk of breakthrough of molten steel. For Agellis Group, which is the commercializing party, the development can lead to the possiblity to be able to offer more complete sensor solutions. The expected reduction of use of refractory bricks also has potential for substaintial positive environmental effects.
Planned approach and implementation
The project includes demonstrations in operational environment, in an AOD converter and in an electric arc furnace, in which the system is to be validated and verified. It also includes the development of data analysis models for assessing the condition and life time of the lining, as well as further development of the sensor system and preparation for commercialization.