Smarter Smelting

Purpose and goal

The goal was to get valuable metrics in real time and continuously from steel melts, using fibre optic ceramic sensors. The aim was to thus provide a better process control at lower cost through better management of raw materials and energy, and less manual handling in an otherwise challenging environment. The goal was reach by in real time and continuously measuring temperature from a steel melt, using fibre optic sensor readout from the ceramic tip of the lance.

Expected results and effects

The result is a new lance system for fibre optic reading of temperature continuously and in real time. The design also allows for other interesting measurement values. The outcome means that the probability is good for continued work to lead to the initially expected effects. In the long term, this may strengthen SMT as the world´s leading manufacturers of stainless steel and other advanced alloys. At the same time Agellis may become a leading global supplier of sensors for the direct and continuous measurement of a steel melt.

Planned approach and implementation

The preliminary study involved an unprecedented study for lance systems that would meet the extreme demands that the environment puts on it. At the same time, the project partners needed to understand each other´s expertise. In addition to meetings in place, we have had telephone meetings every second week to best develop the project. This along with experiments in SMT experimental smelts has been very valuable. Difficulties have been in access to all interesting high-temperature rooms in order to test their tolerances, and long lead times when lance tips have been ordered.