BOKU University, Vienna: 1:1 water model for greentec steel
voestalpine has always been pleased to use cooperations with science institutions as a valuable supplement to its in-house research. This both enables and accelerates the development of new processes and products. The interchange introduces new perspectives and ideas, so that we can provide our customers with the best products and latest innovations. This is an important factor in remaining one step ahead.
Where knowledge flows
A current example is the 1:1 water model for the pig iron charging process. In the “River Lab” hydraulic engineering laboratory of the BOKU in Vienna, the operations of the pig iron charging process are designed together with the scientists to make them as safe and economical as possible for both people and plant. The water model supplies reliable results at high speed, which will provide valuable knowledge, not only in the current production phase, but also during the commissioning and optimization during operation. In pig iron charging, the hot, liquid pig iron obtained, with a temperature of around 1,400 °C. is charged from a pig iron ladle into the EAF via a cone-channel system.
Top-speed research
Since fast results are needed, the experimentally applied research using a 1:1 water model was the ideal approach in this case. Since the summer of 2024, the steel division has been working with the BOKU experts to develop concepts, which have been tested and further refined using the 1:1 water model since May 2025. Transferring observations from water to pig iron is legitimate, and completely safe and transparent. Conclusions can be drawn in order to optimize the geometry of the launders under diverse criteria, particularly the defining of requirements for refractory materials and to design the automation of the process.
Successful collaboration
This practical R&D project once again impressively demonstrates how more is achieved through close cooperation between research and industry. For the optimizing of the pig iron charging process, BOKU is the ideal partner for the steel division. Thanks to its comprehensive expertise in this field, the water model is not only a masterpiece due to its uniqueness, but also a treasure trove of abundant valuable knowledge. Contact: Markus Brummayer / Jakob Six
About greentec steel
With greentec steel, voestalpine has an ambitious and viable phased plan in order to make its contribution to achieving the climate goals. In the first step, the Group plans to replace two blast furnaces with two electric arc furnaces (EAFs) from 2027. This involves an investment of around 1.5 billion euros.
With the partial changeover from the blast furnace to the electric steel route, by 2029, CO2 emissions will have been reduced by around 30 %. This equals a saving of almost 4 million metric tons of CO2 per year – which is almost 5 % of Austria’s CO2 emissions. greentec steel is thus the largest climate protection program in Austria.
With the two electric arc furnaces, from 2027. voestalpine can produce approx. 2.5 million metric tons of CO2-reduced steel yearly, of which, 1.6 million metric tons in Linz and 850,000 metric tons in Donawitz. Find out more about greentec steel here.