Improved Process Control (Neural Networks)

Improved process control can help to reduce electricity consumption significantly, while also providing additional benefits of improved productivity, reduced costs, and increased equipment life time. Modern controls using a multitude of sensors can achieve these to a greater extent than older controls. Such modern systems integrate real-time monitoring of process variables, such as steel bath temperature, carbon levels, and distance to scrap and real-time control systems for graphite injection and lance oxygen practices.  beyond that achieved through classical control systems. Neural networks or “fuzzy logic” systems, for example, analyze data and emulate the best controller.

Development Status Products
Commercial

Improved Process Control (Neural Networks)Costs & Benefits

Parent Process: Electric Arc Furnace
Energy Savings Potential

Electricity savings of 30 kWh/t-steel are estimated, and values may change based on scrap and furnace characteristics. (APP, 2010. p. 79)
CO2 Emission Reduction Potential

Emissions reduction potential of the technology is 17.6 kg CO2/t-steel (US EPA, 2010. p.11).
Costs

Improved Process Control (Neural Networks) Publications

Energy Efficiency Improvement and Cost Saving Opportunities for the U.S. Iron and Steel Industry

Date: 

Oct
2010

Source: 

United States Environmental Protection Agency

Format: 

PDF

Type: 

Publications

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) energy guide, Energy Efficiency Improvement and Cost Saving Opportunities for the U.S. Iron and Steel Industry, discusses energy efficiency practices and technologies that can be implemented in iron and steel manufacturing plants. This guide provides current real world examples of iron and steel plants saving energy and reducing cost and carbon dioxide emissions.

http://www.energystar.gov/ia/business/industry/Iron_Steel_Guide.pdf?25eb-abc5

Page Number: 

90

Available and Emerging Technologies for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from the Iron and Steel Industry

Date: 

Oct
2010

Source: 

United States Environmental Protection Agency

Format: 

PDF

Type: 

Publications
http://www.epa.gov/nsr/ghgdocs/ironsteel.pdf

Page Number: 

11

The State–of-the-Art Clean Technologies (SOACT) for Steelmaking Handbook

Date: 

Dec
2010

Source: 

Asia Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate

Format: 

PDF

Type: 

Publications

 

The State–of-the-Art Clean Technologies (SOACT) for Steelmaking Handbook is developed as part of the Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate program and seeks to catalog the best available technologies and practices to save energy and reduce environmental impacts in the steel industry. Its purpose is to share information about commercialized or emerging technologies and practices that are currently available to increase energy efficiency and environmental performance. 

http://asiapacificpartnership.org/pdf/Projects/Steel/SOACT-Handbook-2nd-Edition....

Page Number: 

79