The Iron and Steel Industry is investing money in high-end research capabilities. Here’s a quick look at some of the technologies that will revolutionise steel production.
Electric-arc furnace (EAF): This is a new way to make steel. Steel in an EAF is made by melting shredded scrap metal – an energy efficient method. The process can be initiated and terminated swiftly leading to savings in cost of operations. The traditional blast furnaces are costly to operate, run and maintain. Since they are powered by coal and require iron ore, the running cost also fluctuate depending on the expensive input costs.
Future Steel Vehicle (FSV): FSV was the result of the three-year research programme. FSV is a steel body design for automobiles that brings down the total weight of a vehicle by 35%. The programme keeps in mind the steel quality available between 2015 to 2020. The effort greatly reduces greenhouse gas emissions (by about 70%), vehicle running noise, vibration and harshness and Cost of production.
Siemens VAI Robots: SIMETAL LiquiRob is the name of the robot created by Siemens VAI. The robot delivers in operating conditions that are very harsh – like in casters, metallurgical plants, converters, electric-arc furnaces, etc. The robot measures temperature, extracts samples, takes other measurements, replaces cartridge and lot more.
Robotic CNC Plasma Cutting
A path-breaking technology in CNC cutting. This robot is changing the way structural steel fabrication is done. The robot leverages advanced CNC robotics and highly complex plasma cutting technologies. Called the PythonX, the robot puts beam drill line, band saw as well as angle line, plate lines out of work. The robot is designed to calculate the cutting path and its sequencing, moving the beam into the correct position before cutting as per requirement.
The CO2 Breakthrough Programme
Lot of research is going on in an effort to decrease CO2 emissions – referred to as the CO2 Breakthrough Programme. One such breakthrough technology produces iron by molten oxide electrolysis generating near-zero CO2 emissions. Other projects aimed at CO2 reduction are Hydrogen Flash Smelting method, Paired Straight Hearth Furnace, etc.
