� TECHNOLOGY �
An electric arc furnace requires instrumentation that can deliver accuracy and reliability in various measurement applications .
process , with advanced digital solutions helping to reduce operating costs , improve worker safety , increase sustainability and productivity , and provide faster ROI . Distributed control systems , energy management information systems and asset management systems , based on intelligent measurement and control technologies , provide the critical information that helps to simplify maintenance , troubleshooting and operation .
A greenfield project presents an opportunity for the plant to be ‘ born digital ’ and immediately benefit from the implementation of digital technologies such as intelligent sensors and control technologies , advanced operations software and systems , cloud data management and analytics . Implementing these technologies from the outset will help to future-proof the facility and support long-term operational excellence but can also impact project schedules . It is therefore vital that project stakeholders place automation front and centre as early as possible during the front-end engineering and design phase .
Accurate and reliable measurements
The implementation of advanced technologies to provide extremely accurate and reliable measurements is fundamental to optimising the performance of a digitally-enabled , smarter and more sustainable steel plant . An EAF , for example , requires instrumentation that can deliver accuracy and reliability in various measurement applications . These include measuring the level of the liquid steel in the furnace , temperature measurement across the EAF , and detecting cooling water leaks .
Furnace level is an extremely challenging measurement because it requires a device that can operate reliably in extremely high temperatures and cope with rapid changes in level and the presence of dust and gases in the vapour space . A solution is provided by the latest non-contacting radar level transmitters , such as the Rosemount™ 5408 from Emerson . When installed inside a cooling box with nitrogen purging , these transmitters mitigate the effects of both the process and ambient temperatures on the device .
Conditions such as vibration , moisture and heat make it challenging to measure EAF temperature . This harsh environment frequently results in wired connection failures that can lead to large measurement errors , safety risks and costly unscheduled shutdowns . To meet this challenge , manufacturers can install the latest wireless temperature transmitters , which eliminate cable and conduit damage , leading to better temperature control , reduced maintenance costs and shorter batch times .
Cooling water leaks can significantly decrease furnace performance and efficiency , and have the potential to damage key equipment , so it is vital to detect leaks in a timely manner . Fast and reliable leak detection requires the implementation of
Green Steel World | Issue 9 | November 2023 33