Automation Solutions for Ladle Gate Applications SEAISI 2009, Kuala Lumpur

1. Automation SolutionsforLadle Gate Applications SEAISI 2009, Kuala Lumpur

2. Introduction Content Key Aspects for Automation Introduction Automation on Casting Platform Key aspects Automation of Ladle Gate Preparation Casting platform Summary and Outlook Ladle gate preparation Summary and Outlook

3. Automation in today’s steel industry INTERSTOP’s contribution • Automation solutions to complement INTERSTOP’s flow control systems • Focus on automation-ready process solutions Introduction Content Introduction • Increasing demand for automation solutions • Safety, process reliability and costs Key aspects Casting platform Ladle gate preparation Summary and Outlook

4. Safety Key Aspects for Automation Content Introduction Dangerous tasks Key aspects on casting platform at ladle prep area Casting platform • Coupling of casting cylinder • Handling of ladle shroud • O2-lancing • Break out of refractory • Handling of heavy loads Ladle gate preparation Summary and Outlook Solution to ensure safety Automation

5. Key Aspects for Automation Content Process reliability Introduction At ladle prep area Key aspects • Reduced quality due to harsh working conditions • Operational safety issues Casting platform Financial issues Ladle gate preparation Cost reduction Cost savings Summary and Outlook Automation

6. Manual coupling of casting cylinder Automation on Casting Platform Content Introduction Common practice: Key aspects Casting platform With INTERSTOP’sSNAP coupling: Ladle gate preparation • Mounting • Coupling • Release Summary and Outlook

7. Manual coupling of casting cylinder Automation on Casting Platform Content Introduction Key aspects Casting platform Ladle gate preparation Summary and Outlook

8. Automatic coupling of casting cylinder Automation on Casting Platform Content Introduction State-of-the-art Key aspects Worldwide first fully automatic ladle gate handling system SSAB Tunnplat, Lulea, Sweden INTERSTOP together with MTAG Marti-Technology Casting platform Ladle gate preparation Summary and Outlook • Base for automatic coupling is the SNAP coupling • Position detection and positioning purely mechanical

9. Automatic coupling of casting cylinder Automation on Casting Platform Content Introduction Near future applications Key aspects Casting platform Robotic handling solutionse.g. LiquiRob® by Siemens VAI Ladle gate preparation Summary and Outlook • Base for automatic coupling is SNAP coupling • Position detection and positioning by robot

10. Automatic coupling of ladle shroud Automation on Casting Platform Content Introduction State-of-the-art Key aspects • Manually operated or semi-automatic manipulators • Manipulator remains connected during casting Casting platform Future application Ladle gate preparation • Handling by automatic handling systeme.g. robotic solution • Ladle shroud clamping device as part of the ladle gate Summary and Outlook

11. Automatic coupling of ladle shroud Automation on Casting Platform Content Introduction Key aspects Casting platform Ladle gate preparation Summary and Outlook

12. Current situation Automation of Ladle Gate Preparation Content Introduction • Harsh working conditions at ladle prep areas • Operators exposed to fumes, dust and high temperatures • Exhausting tasks for operators Key aspects Casting platform Ladle gate preparation Risk of • Reduced refractory lifetime • Breakouts Summary and Outlook

13. Vision - Automation System Requirements Automation of Ladle Gate Preparation Content Introduction Key aspects • All tasks to be automated • Modular concept Casting platform Ladle gate preparation • Automation-ready equipment • Specifically developed tools Summary and Outlook • Robotic solution by automation partner

14. Operator System Sequence of ladle preparation Start Position detection Scenario independent tasks Refractory check Choose scenario Scenario dependent tasks Check & Release Automation of Ladle Gate Preparation Content Introduction Responsibility Tasks Key aspects Casting platform Ladle gate preparation Summary and Outlook

15. Automation-ready ladle gate Automation of Ladle Gate Preparation Content Introduction Key aspects • Mounting cylinder with SNAP coupling Casting platform • Easy tension release • Large access to refractory parts Ladle gate preparation • Simple plate centring Summary and Outlook CS ladle gate designed to adapt all features

16. Advantages Automation of Ladle Gate Preparation Content Introduction Key aspects • Cost savings due to higher process reliability • Cost reduction due to less operational efforts • Increased operational safety • Potentially dangerous tasks performed by the automation system • Improved quality management Casting platform Ladle gate preparation Summary and Outlook

17. Automation for ladle gate application Summary and Outlook Content Introduction • Ladle gate specific task are due for automation in the near future • Driving features are safety, process reliability and financial aspects • Stopinc and RHI focus on solutions based on INTERSTOP’s automation-ready equipment • In short term robotic solutions on casting platform will be operational • In mid term INTERSTOP’s vision of the ladle prep area will become reality Key aspects Casting platform Ladle gate preparation Summary and Outlook

18. INTERSTOP’s Vision Content Introduction Key aspects Casting platform Ladle gate preparation Summary and Outlook

19. Content Introduction Key aspects Thank you for your attention Casting platform Ladle gate preparation Summary and Outlook End