Camera- and Sensor Data-Based Process Observation in Liquid Steel Production

The Ruhrstahl-Heraeus (RH) degassing plant is of vital importance for ultra-clean steel production, due to its effective degassing and homogenizing, but its vacuum-based nature and the high temperatures of liquid steel renders the process rather inaccessible to direct observations. We developed a camera-based image analysis solution, which in combination with enhanced sensor data evaluation (e.g., chamber pressure, offgas composition or O2-injection) determines the status of the process and detects irregularities and malfunctions of the plant. The proposed research helps to deeper understand the RH process in steelmaking and provides the basis for a future on-line decision support system for operation.