Continuous Measurement of Liquid Steel Temperature and Chemistry

Whilst this presents an opportunity to enhance the efficiency of the process, monitoring these improvements remains a challenge. Currently the process is chemically and thermally monitored discretely at long intervals using disposable probes. If continuous measurement of the process were possible it would revolutionise the steelmaking process both in terms of efficiency and product quality and might be considered somewhat of a holy grail of steelmaking. Previous attempts have been made to do this via optical spectroscopy techniques through gas ports below the liquid line, but the stability of these measurements was poor because the port kept being blocked by accretions. The technology developed above offers an opportunity to circumvent these challenges. Conservative calculations predict a net saving per plant is circa£4.5m p.a. Extrapolated to half of globally produced BOF steel this equates to a staggering USD1bn.

The project will focus on the development of technology that enables real-time monitoring of chemical
composition and temperature in molten metal furnaces, delivering a step-change in steelmaking productivity. Surprisingly, no such commercial system exists despite the need and benefits outlined above. Hence to realise this opportunity, unique and transformative approaches will be implemented that adapt and combine the latest advancements in refractory manufacturing and laser metrology.