Wireless sensor network for steelmaking optimization

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The optimization of steelmaking processes is based on multiple sensors placed around the furnace to monitor several parameters such as gases concentrations, temperature and vibrations. These sensors have to survive in the very harsh environment of the furnace in order to provide reliable measurements, which are used for safety, quality, environment and process control. Currently the sensors are bulky and connected by cables leading to frequents mechanical damages do to the hot particles and equipment moving in the proximity of the furnace. Furthermore, the vast numbers of sensors, in many cases redundant due to the problems explained above, need to be periodically maintained to provide reliable safety and process information. The proposed project has to two targets. The first one is investigate the possibility to replace the cables with a wireless bridge based on ultra low power transceiver. The transceiver will be integrated in a CMOS technology resulting compact, low cost and with a long-lasting battery life. The second goal is to demonstrate the possibility to integrate beside the transceiver also the sensors required to monitor the steelmaking process to create a fully integrated wireless sensor node. With a large number of these low cost wireless sensors will be possible to build a wireless sensor network around the furnace, magnifying the sensing capabilities and improving the reliability due to the absence of cables. The project will be realized in cooperation with Tenova Goodfellow Inc. (TGI) that has the aim to introduced the technology developed in this project into a new phase product-oriented . Tenova is a worldwide supplier of advanced technologies, products, and services for the metals and mining industries providing innovative, integrated solutions for complete process areas.