Steel Produc­tion

Auto­matic Slag Detec­tion in Steel Produc­tion - SLAG-DETECT

Non-contact slag detection with infrared thermography in steel production

  • Clear visual representation of tapping and deslagging processes through excellent image resolution

  • Precise distinction between steel and slag

  • Function for automated detection of the tapping end

  • Comprehensively adjustable data reposting on system PC or data server

  • Different variants of interfaces for the integration into process control system

Protective housing for thermal camera

Slag Detec­tion System with LW Infrared Camera for Highest Detec­tion Reli­ab­ility

Steel and slag in the process of steel production have different features with regard to radiation physics in the infrared spectral range. Thus, by means of an infrared camera, it is possible to determine without any contact and in real time which of both materials is the current main constituent of the tapping, respectively the deslagging stream coming out of the converter or an electric furnace. For this purpose, the relevant process of steel production is constantly monitored with an infared camera whose sensitivity range involves a long-wave infrared range of (8 ... 12) µm. In this wavelength range appears the highest contrast between steel and slag resulting in the best possible selectivity on material detection.

Software interface - Non-contact slag detection with infrared thermography
Thermographic automation for slag detection

Suit­able for Manual as well as Auto­matic Plant Oper­a­tion

Independent of extended opportunities of an integrated automatic image evaluation, slag proportions in the VIS image will be highlighted in a different colour hue contrasting the rest of the infrared image (such as steel and image background). Thus, in case of manual operation, the smelter may detect slag parts due to the tapping's green colouring and is able to react according to technological specifications. Moreover, integrated evaluation algorithms provide an extended opportunity on an operator-independent reaction on automatically detected slag occurrence. In order to stop tapping immediately or at a specific delay time, a slag stopper, respectively the converter tilting backwards can be ensured via a direct signal to the process control system.

SLAG DETECT Soft­ware

  • Online calculation and monitoring (display) of slag amount

  • System alignment and adjustment to the process conditions

  • Decentralised monitoring of system status

  • Flexible process adoption, recording of tapping related process values and data exchange with existing systems via TCP/IP or electrical interface connection in the main cabinet

  • Reliable alarm release to activate a pneumatic slag stopper, filing of alarm screenshots, live tapping pictures of the whole tapping and process data arranged according to tapping time or heat number

  • Easy to operate data presentation via web interface – standard or professional package – in the steel plant network

  • Remote access available

Contact to thermography division of InfraTec

Would You Like to Know More?

It is not unusual for tasks to be associated with special requirements. Discuss your specific application needs with our specialists, receive further technical information or learn more about our additional services.

United States
InfraTec infrared LLC5048 Tennyson Parkway Suite 25075024 PlanoUNITED STATES

SLAG-DETECT – Applic­able for BOF Tapping Oper­a­tion as well as EAF and Deslag­ging

Apart from its main application for BOF operation, using SLAG-DETECT can be very useful and advisable under other technological conditions of steel production. Thus, in many cases, it is possible to control the tapping at EAF systems (depending on their construction) with the help of infrared camera technology.In the same way, SLAG-DETECT has proved successful at numerous installations on tasks to be carried out in a reversed manner, the detection of steel during deslagging, and contributes to optimum material utilisation and high operational safety by avoiding the overstraining of the ladle's material. Being equipped with high-performance infrared camera technology adapted to harsh operating conditions in industry, SLAG-DETECT represents a reliable instrument ensuring product quality while making full use of the converter's capacity in the best possible way. Its flexible system configuration allows the integration into installations with different degrees of automation - starting from manual operation displaying the ongoing process in real time up to a fully automatic control of the converter's tilt angle during tapping.

Tapping in steel production

Product Flyer

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InfraTec SLAG-DETECT Flyer

Use of SLAG-DETECT for these Indus­tries & Applic­a­tions

InfraTec | Thermography in Casting, molten metal - Picture credits: @ iStock / Warut1

Metal­ Industry

Achieving continuous improvement in process reliability and productivity is a top priority in the metal industry and can be supported by thermography.

All branches and application areas

Infrared Cameras for SLAG-DETECT

InfraTec Infrared camera
Compact Cameras

PIR uc 605

Image Format(640 x 480) IR-Pixel
Detector typeUncooled Microbolometer Focal Plane Array

InfraTec Infrared camera
System Cameras

PIR uc LWIR 600

Image Format(640 x 480) IR-Pixel
Detector typeUncooled microbolometer focal-plane array

InfraTec Infrared camera
System Cameras

VarioCAM® HDx head 600

Image Format(640 x 480) IR-Pixel
Detector typeUncooled Microbolometer Focal Plane Array

InfraTec Infrared camera
System Cameras

VarioCAM® HD head 800

Image Format(1,024 x 768) IR-Pixel
Detector typeUncooled Microbolometer Focal Plane Array

InfraTec service

Full Service Package

For more than 30 years InfraTec has been providing comprehensive service in addition to high-end thermographic cameras. For example, you can have your camera recalibrated by us. On the basis of a project analysis, we assist you in the realization of thermographic measurements and tests. In the event of a malfunction, you will receive extensive support from our in-house service department via remote maintenance. Let’s find out, what we can do for you.

InfraTec Service - Technical Support

InfraTec Service – Technical Support

Our Company’s own service department accompanies you even with complex automation solutions far beyond the actual sale. In the event of malfunctions, your enquiry is forwarded directly to the employees via a hotline. By remote maintenance, you will receive an initial diagnosis. Together with you, we analyse the cause of the problem and quickly find a solution.

Thermography trainings

Training of your Employees

In our training centre in Dresden, you can attend practical thermography training courses. After the transfer of the turnkey system, upon request qualified employees of our service team will introduce you step by step to your automation solution and instruct future users on your premises.

Camera protective housing for infrared cameras by InfraTec

Wide Range of Protective Hous­ings

The InfraTec product range includes numerous protective housings. The all-weather and robust metal housings allow the use of the thermal cameras in harsh environments and protect against mechanical stress, dust and splash water. Depending on requirements, users can also choose ATEX-certified protective housings that can be used in potentially explosive atmospheres.

InfraTec camera equipment

InfraTec Thermal Camera Equip­ment

InfraTec offers high-quality accessories for all infrared camera series. This allows users to flexibly adapt their camera to changing test and measurement environments and optimize it for daily indoor and outdoor use. The corresponding components are specially designed for the corresponding model and open up new possibilities – for current applications and new tasks.

Fairs and Trade Shows

Logo SEMI-THERM
Thermography

SEMI-THERM – 40th Annual Semi­con­ductor Thermal Meas­ure­ment, Modeling and Manage­ment Symposium

2024-03-26 - 2024-03-27
San Jose, USA

Logo Control
Thermography

Control

2024-04-23 - 2024-04-26
Stuttgart, Germany

Logo Fraunhofer IMWS
Thermography

CAM-Work­shop

2024-06-04 - 2024-06-05
Halle, Germany

Logo SEMI-THERM
Thermography

SEMI-THERM – 40th Annual Semi­con­ductor Thermal Meas­ure­ment, Modeling and Manage­ment Symposium

2024-03-26 - 2024-03-27
San Jose, USA

Logo Control
Thermography

Control

2024-04-23 - 2024-04-26
Stuttgart, Germany

Logo Fraunhofer IMWS
Thermography

CAM-Work­shop

2024-06-04 - 2024-06-05
Halle, Germany

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