Smart scrap processing
Digitalization encompasses the planning, monitoring, and control of the production process—including internal logistics—all the way through to transportation to our customers:
- Raw Material Supply: Continuous real-time monitoring and control of all raw material supply chains enables intelligent just-in-time delivery of raw materials.
- Power management: Fully digitized and automated power management ensures that sufficient power is available for the EAF without compromising grid stability.
- Raw material quality: Before processing, we precisely analyze the raw material mix of scrap, HBI, and liquid pig iron in real time. Undesirable components are detected, recorded, and subsequently sorted out.
- Production Management: Digital (cognitive) assistance systems support employees with data, overviews, and warning systems.
- In-Process Analysis: Fully automated samples of molten steel are taken from the electric arc furnace. All data is analyzed fully automatically, and the results are available within approximately five minutes for further fully automated, dynamic EAF process steps.
- Target Quality: A digital twin determines target values—such as hardness or tensile strength—for the further processing of the current production batch. Machine-learning algorithms adjust the process parameters accordingly and, depending on the end product, can precisely predict key finishing parameters such as quenching temperature, cooling rate, and rolling speed, thereby avoiding energy-intensive corrections.
- Smart Logistics and Transportation: The rail transport of finished steel products, by-products, and individual coils is fully digitized, which further ensures just-in-time deliveries.
