Based on results from microscopic analysis of steel samples, flow field calculations thermodynamic and kinetic considerations, a model has been derived that describes the evolution of the concentration, composition and size of the inclusions in the liquid steel during the injection of calcium. The mathematical solution of the model requires the incorporation of Population Balance Equations. The modelling results are compared to the actual inclusion composition in the steel from IJmuiden BOS2.

The scarcity and discrepancies in thermodynamic data in Ca and Mg containing iron-basis systems is reviewed. The difficulties of handling the problems involving these elements in steel with classical thermodynamic methods recommend the use of computational thermodynamics. Examples of applications of this method to Ca and Mg related problems in steelmaking are presented.

Environmental emissions constraints have led manufacturers to improve their low NOx recuperative burners. The development by Tenova of the FlexyTech® Flameless burners with low NOx emissions, even below the present “Best Available Technology” limit of 40 ppm at 3%O2 with furnace temperature 1250°C, air preheat 450°C, is described. The results achieved during the R&D programme have been also improved in the industrial installations. Some details and performances of the recent furnaces equipped with such burners are provided.

SIEMENS-VAI started the development for full automatic operation of all activities on the cast floor of continuous casting machines. A full size test robot was installed in a laboratory with on board position detection and all necessary tools. Specific solutions for allowing full automatic operation were engineered, manufactured and tested. The first robot will go in operation in December 2007.

The main purpose of ArcelorMittal Tubarao skin pass is to improve the flatness in thin gauges hot rolled strips. Since the start-up in 2002 several actions have been implemented and a consistent evolution of quality and process control has been reached:
The philosophy of production scheduling along the rolls campaign to minimize the effect of roll wear;
The definition of optimum target elongations to keep as constant as possible the roll forces and avoid roll bending changes;
The automation of bending forces control according to characteristics of the strip and the rolls.

The new standard EN 14140:2004 permits the use of High Strength Steel grades for the manufacturing of cylinders having a steel sheet thickness lower than the limit imposed by the older EN 1442:1998. The new steel grades proposed for the manufacturing of light weight LPG cylinders have been thoroughly characterized in terms of their in-process behavior.

Stainless steel reinforcement extends the life of concrete, at higher initial costs that may be compensated for by the reduction of maintenance. The effect of several parameters on the galvanic coupling between carbon and stainless steel is reported. It is demonstrated that the introduction of stainless steel rebars do not accelerate the intrinsic corrosion of carbon steel, depending on common rules about surface ratio and number of contact points.