Busbar health

Busbars are used to transfer electrical energy to theelectrodes. Due to the high currents involved this
results in high vibrations and inductive coupling to
other components. Monitoring of vibration levels and
temperatures allows to reduce the chance for
resulting mechanical or thermal damage.
               

Structural dynamics vs. Process parameters

The melting process is a function of various operational parameters: electrical currents, composition and mechanical properties of primary materials, gas flow, vibrations, temperatures... Tracking all relevant parameters allows building up models separating 'normal' from 'abnormal' behaviour. Prolonged follow-up in turn allows identifying and quantifying changes in dynamic behaviour for similar process conditions, leading to early detection of damage development or process issues.

Process deviations

Using the data available in the Historian or SCADA system the operation of the EAF is continuously parametrised. Of interest are for example water flows, temperatures, electrical currents... The different stages of the process are automatically identified and when properties start deviating or unexpected values are detected, a warning is sent. The follow-up is based on process knowledge as well as models trained on the behaviour of the specific asset followed.

Hot Heel / Liquid Heel

The goal of an advanced monitoring solution is not only to predict failures and detect degradation in an early stage. When done in a smart way, also the process can be optimized. Depending on the strategy of operating the EAF, it can be important to know if yes or no a liquid heel is present in the vessel after tapping and the amount of material it represents. Using the appropriate data treatment the amount of material can be derived from the dynamics of the system.

COOLING SYSTEM HEALTH | POURING PROCESS DEVIATIONS