Initial situation:

• Properties of scrap used as charge material for EAF steelmaking are changing with time regarding composition, yield, energy demand etc.
•  Control of chemical energy input has to be adapted heat-individually to achieve best results regarding energy consumption and metallic yield.
•  Amount of the hot heel has an important effect on process performance, but is difficult to access.

Working points in the project:

• Monitoring of scrap basket filling degree and amount of hot heel by cameras with image analysis and dedicated sensors.
•  Monitoring of scrap meltdown behaviour by off-gas analysis, dynamic modelling as well as vibration sensors and spectrometers.
•  Development of a dynamic control for chemical energy input via burners and oxygen injectors adapted to actual scrap mix.
•  Determination of optimal charging time for 2nd scrap basket.

Results:

• Balanced electrical and chemical energy inputs for optimised energetic performance.
•  Maximised metallic yield of the charged materials.
•  Optimised furnace practice regarding scrap charging, steel bath level and slag amount.