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DiGreeS program explores digital technology for steel recycling
Under the name Digital Twins for Green Steel( DiGreeS), Tata Steel Nederland, Saarstahl, and voestalpine Group are investigating possibilities for introducing new steel production routes and reducing the ecological footprint.
DiGreeS is coordinated by the Fraunhofer Institute for Nondestructive Testing IZFP and aims to minimize the ecological footprint of the entire steel value chain through integrated digitalization. Saarstahl AG focuses on CO 2 reduction of electric arc furnace( EAF) techniques at Saarstahl-Ascoval through the use of artificial intelligence-based digital models, while voestalpine Group researches energy efficiency and conservation in steel plate processing. Tata Steel will also
utilize this new knowledge when replacing the blast furnaces and coke and gas plants with DRI and EAF in the near future, as the traditional steel production process undergoes transformation and coal is replaced by sustainable energy.
Tata Steel researches the use of digital laser techniques to analyze the composition of scrap directly from the truck.“ In this measurement and analysis process, AI is used to more quickly recognize and analyze specific types of steel based on visual characteristics, known as scrap image recognition. The manufacturing process is digitally modeled, or simulated, and tested in a computational model using digital twins. This innovative combination of laser, AI, and digital modeling allows
for more efficient sampling, faster scrap deployment logistics, and improved product quality. Moreover, this leads to fewer process errors in scrap deployment and thus less waste and CO 2 reduction,” stated Tata Steel researcher Bernard Ennis. At present, the technique is being researched and developed under the DiGreeS program. The first measurements with the laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy are scheduled to take place in the first quarter of 2025. In 2026, the first prototype of the truck portal is expected to be ready for use, and the measurements and modeling will commence. Then, the implementation will follow, including the introduction of the digital twins modeled process.
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10 Green Steel World | Issue 18 | June 2025