Research validation of advanced digitalization in industrial environments

Purpose and goal

The long-term vision is to enable a generic digital methodology for process control in metallurgical and other high-temperature processes. This means moving from process models that are tuned to a certain process to models that are process-independent/generic, described in the background of the project. Such models enable a digital exploration of the process design space. More specifically, the overall goal is to validate a fundamental and generic digital model for kinetics and thermodynamics in metallurgical processes through a large series of industrial measurements.

Expected effects and result

A total of 120 measurements are planned over a series of chargers (batchers/heats) where the total test mass amounts to over 500 tonnes of steel. Also note that although the vision is a generic digital methodology, the validation is only for an existing process, where additions and driving methods from the target plant are maintained, which reduces uncertainties and thus the value of the measurement series performed. When the digital model is validated, the target will itself be able to run tests in the EERZ model according to the points in the vision above.

Planned approach and implementation

The work packages are divided into three areas as follows: i) Carry out a significant series of experimental measurements of temperature, slag and steel composition in ladle. Lollypop measurement, as well as Celox and Slac measurement for oxygen content in the steel and FeO in the slag. ii) Present a validated EERZ model that has the same or better accuracy than the existing process model at the plant, regarding sulfur purification. iii) Correlate the free parameters in the EERZ model against mass transport in the process (CFD).