ArcelorMittal Dofasco - Automation of Slag Raking

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ArcelorMittal Dofasco has been producing steel since 1912 and is Hamilton's largest private sector employer, shipping 4.5 million tons of steel coils annually. In steelmaking, the Ladle Metallurgy Facility (LMF) perfects the metallurgy of liquid steel for its intended end use, while also removing slag, a by-product of the process. Liquid steel is brought to the LMF in a massive ladle that is approximately 5-metres in diameter and contains more than 300-tons of 1,600 degrees Celsius (°C) steel, including 4-tons of slag. The slag, which must be removed as it negatively affects quality, including over-oxidation, is less dense than the liquid steel so it rests on the surface in the ladle. To remove the slag, traditionally an operator visually identifies the slag and removes it with a 2-ton hydraulic rake. To perform this effectively, the process requires an experienced operator, manual dexterity and significant experience. Looking ahead, ArcelorMittal Dofasco will use the most precise slag identification and raking process possible to ensure the correct amount of slag is removed at the right time during each heat of steel. This will ensure that slag is not left in the ladle, nor is steel taken from the ladle. To do this, a Mohawk College applied research team led by Dr. Esteve Hassan will collaborate with Dofasco to test imagery technologies to identify the slag and to integrate the imagery system with the rake controls to automate the slag removal. Sensors, electronics, software and the Industrial Internet of Things will all be utilized to automate the process, allowing the operator to take a supervisory role in the process. Slag removal will be precise, health and safety