When the going gets hot, Valmet Furnace Imaging gets going
May 25, 2016
GKN Hoeganaes Corporation, the world leader in the production of atomized steel and iron powders, installed a forerunner of the Valmet Furnace Imaging System, Fixed Mount Mid-IR infrared camera in the ladle metallurgy furnace (LMF) at its Hoeganaes plant in Gallatin, Tennessee. Designed to see through flue gas and fly ash and provide an internal view of furnace conditions while operating at full load, the infrared camera system now allows an unobstructed view of the entire LMF process. Operational expectations have been met with improvements in productivity, reduced refractory consumption, improved temperature and ladle alloying control as well as increased operator safety.
Summary
Location
Hoeganaes plant in Gallatin, Tennessee
Customer challenge
The customer wanted to be able to see as much of the ladle as possible, particularly the gas stir “eye”, in a safe way without operators directly observing the gas stir and slag characteristics.
Designed to see through flue gas and fly ash and provide an internal view of furnace conditions while operating at full load, the infrared camera system now allows an unobstructed view of the entire LMF process. Operational expectations have been met with improvements in productivity, reduced refractory consumption, improved temperature and ladle alloying control as well as increased operator safety.
