To improve the quality of products in MMK's oxygen converter shop, Datana (part of LANIT Group) has developed a number of digital solutions. Tests of these solutions were carried out on off-furnace and continuous casting units and confirmed the effectiveness of the developments.
A software and hardware complex was installed on the ladle furnace unit to control metal blowing with argon. The complex consists of a robotic arm designed by Datana engineers, a camera in a protective housing to collect streaming video data at high temperatures, and an ensemble of mathematical models based on neural networks. In real time, the complex performs video recording and analysis, evaluates and makes recommendations to the steel manufacturer. Thanks to the operation of the software and hardware complex, it is easier to observe the production process, which has a positive effect on product quality.
A system for optimising the decarburisation process was installed at the steel degassing plant - a physical-chemical model was developed for this purpose, which was extended by ML models. The system recommends optimal modes and predicts the time to reach the target carbon in the melt, thus reducing the vacuuming time.
Slag detection on two continuous casters
In turn, a slag detection system is installed at two continuous casters. To solve this problem, a vibration diagnostic data acquisition method was used and an ML model was developed to detect slag in the metal flow during casting and recommend the optimal time to stop the process. The system makes it possible to reduce the amount of slag entering the tundish, which improves the quality of the continuously cast slabs.
An important advantage of the work carried out is the equipment of the steel melting units with additional devices - means of controlling the production process, which allow the company's specialists to continue using the tools to optimise the technological operations used.
About Magnitogorsk
90 years of Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works
The first cast iron was produced there on 1 February 1932.
Today, Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works is considered the flagship of the Russian iron and steel industry.
