The Gimbal Top distribution system for blast furnaces was introduced in October 2006. With this solution any burden profile can be generated by directing the feed material to any point on the furnace stock line. This is made possible by innovative design features which allow the chute angle and position to be continuously adjusted during material discharging. The described Gimbal Top Distributor is fit for the high-temperature and high-pressure environment of ironmaking plants.

The application of mathematical process models for BOF converters is state-of-the-art for nearly all plants around the world. Such an automation system may end up in a black box that is not maintainable any more and cannot be adapted to new requirements. Some principle experiences and examples from EKO Stahl are presented to avoid such developments.

Substituting used tyres for anthracite in the EAF in France and in Belgium is reported. First trials have been carried out in Lorraine in 1997 in the frame of a partnership between Usinor (now Arcelor Mittal), Michelin and Ademe. The substitution process has been eventually implemented by LME in cooperation with Aliapur over the years 2002-2003. Industeel Belgium got started on substitution in 2004. To day, both steel plants have achieved stable operation, with a regular load of 8 to 12 kg used tyres per ton of steel, thus allowing significant and sustainable savings on anthracite.

EAF, with power ratings over 100 MVA, cause voltage fluctuations and flicker in the supplying power system. Static VAr compensators (SVC) are typically used for reactive power compensation. This paper presents a solution for how to obtain an optimum flicker reduction at a comparatively low compensator power rating. The researched compensator solution represents an optimum from the technical as well as from the economic point of view.

The application of flameless oxidation to steel batch furnaces is reported. Transient heat transfers have been assessed through a mixed CFD and zone model approach. This makes it possible to improve the heat transfer in industrial furnaces and to reduce the energy consumption.

Since 2000 the performance of Corus cold mill 21 has improved substantially. The Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) increased from 33% to 43% and productivity has increased from a level of 1.4 million tonnes in 1999 to nearly 2.0 million tonnes presently. A suitable balance in the triangle of technology, installation and people has proven to be the key prerequisite in this performance increase. The key knowledge areas to operate, maintain and improve the mill are now all available within the production organization.

Examples of high cycle thermal fatigue (HCTF) damage cases on PWR austenitic stainless steel components are reported. High cycle thermal fatigue risk is primarily due to mixing of cold and hot water, unexpected leaks of cold water through check valves or to turbulent penetration of hot water running in a main pipe into a connected line. When such thermal fatigue issues are identified in PWR power plants, manufacturing improvement such as inner surface polishing of austenitic stainless steel parts can be performed to increase the fatigue resistance of the components.