A new digital solution will improve the stability and quality of off-line steel processing
The Kametsstal Steel Plant, part of the Metinvest Group, has implemented the state-of-the-art ArCOS automated control system in the converter shop at the No. 2 ‘furnace-ladle’ unit. This is stated in a press release from the company.
“The new digital solution will help improve the stability and quality of post-furnace steel processing, as well as extend the service life of steel ladles, making the production process more efficient,” the steelworks stated.
Post-furnace processing is one of the key stages in the production of high-quality steel. It is in the ‘furnace-ladle’ unit that the steel is brought to the required chemical composition and temperature, and purified of unwanted impurities before further casting.
The quality of the process depends to a large extent on the precision of the control of the electric arc that heats the steel. To achieve this, the system automatically adjusts the position of the graphite electrodes, maintaining the optimum arc length and power. The introduction of the ArCOS system has improved the precision of control over the process’s electrical parameters and ensured more stable operation of the automatic electrode control system.
The investment project was carried out in collaboration with Primetals Ukraine. A comprehensive upgrade of the automatic control system was carried out on ladle furnace No. 2. In particular, current sensors were installed on the transformer’s output terminals.
In addition, the voltage transformers, the arc voltage calculation and measurement cabinet were replaced, and the ArCOS system control cabinet was completely upgraded. The final stage involved ‘rebooting’ the equipment’s software, which was adapted to the modernised automatic electrode movement control system.
The company notes that the introduction of the latest ArCOS system has made the steel heating process at the No. 2 ‘furnace-ladle’ unit more precise, stable and controllable.
It should be recalled that Kametstal recently upgraded its key pulverised coal fuel unit. The overhaul of grinding circuit No. 2 is an important stage in the modernisation of blast furnace production.