High temperatures, molten metal and heavy loads - steel production puts a lot of stress on both man and machine. So it is only natural that safety and availability are one of the top priorities for steel plant managers. Not only to prevent potentially deadly accidents from happening but also to make sure that production in a extremely competitive landscape never stops. For that you need robust measurement equipment that provides reliable data as well as smart control solutions.
Key facts
1.63 mil.
tonnes of crude steel
were produced worldwide in 2016. This is an increase by 0,8% compared to 2015 according to the World Steel Association.
Safe monitoring of critical cooling water circuits
Malfunctions in water circuits can be very dangerous to both equipment and personnel. Especially in a steel plant, where they are used to control the very high temperatures of various types of oxygen lance cooling in converters and wall and roof panels of electric arc furnaces. Also the quality of the water must be monitored regularly to prevent the growth of algae or even infectious bacteria like legionella.
Our expertise in the field
The sensors to monitor these processes were developed to withstand the harsh conditions in a steel plant.
- Our leakage detection solution measures the inlet and outlet flow rates of the circuit by means of suitable flowmeters, either electromagnetic or ultrasonic. The inlet and outlet temperatures are acquired from sensors mounted near the flowmeters.
- The water quality of the cooling circuit is controlled by monitoring parameters like pH, silicate build-up and oxygen. Our portfolio for liquid analysis including digital sensors and transmitters enables a reliable measurement.
Acid level measurement and overfill prevention
Creating high-grade metal sheets includes pickling. This process step uses different kinds of acids to remove impurities. Handling these acids poses an environmental challenge and a safety issue. Above all, the acid storage tanks must be closely monitored to prevent an overfill.
Our expertise in the field
Endress+Hauser offers radar level instruments which are specifically designed to withstand aggressive media and support you with the installation to produce reliable results.
We also offer a complete overfill protection automation solution which will help you fulfill prevention requirements and save you time and money.
- Reliable non-contact level measurement
- Our Overfill Prevention System complies with API2350 and WHG and is type-certified up to SIL3 according to IEC 61511.
SIL certified instrumentation
Process control is only as good as the instruments being used. To assess a sensor, operators can rely on industry standards such as the IEC 61511. It describes Safety Integrity Levels (SIL) that are an established benchmark for the safety integrity of a system.
Our expertise in the field
Endress+Hauser has one of the most extensive portfolios of IEC 61508 certified instruments created according to safety by design standards. For hard- and software development, we have implemented standardized measures to avoid systematic faults and control random failures. Find our more about our SIL portfolio.
Online monitoring of measuring points
One of the basic ways to improve the safety of the employees is to reduce the time they spend in hazardous areas.
Our expertise in the field
New online and digital measurement technologies enable you to control your processes remotely. Endress+Hauser has developed various digital services to support your operations.
- Find out more about our Netilion digital servicesand our industrial tablets for convenient monitoring and configuration.
Benefits
Safety and plant availability are sensitive topics that demand a partner that you can trust, who is not interested in short-term profits but in developing sustainable relationships. Look no further, because Endress+Hauser for more than 60 years has been a reliable partner to steel companies in over 100 countries. Our instruments and solutions - all designed along industry-specific requirements - are relied upon all over the world.
Key facts
200,000+
temperature sensors installed in safety critical steel production processes worldwide.
Key facts
55,000
smart sensors integrated in 65 digital optimization projects.
Key facts
2.6 mil.
field instruments delivered to mineral&metals operations since 2007 alone.
How we can help
Comply with functional safety standards IEC/EN 61508 (process hazard categorization known as SIL - Safety Integrity Level) and IEC/EN 61511 (process safety using instrumentation known as Safety Instrumented Systems) in accordance with EN 13849 with process experts who guide you every step of the way in selecting the best-fit, industry-optimized instrumentation, service and solution package from our complete portfolio based on more than 60 years of experience.
- Safe monitoring of critical cooling water circuits
- Acid level measurement and overfill prevention
- SIL certified instrumentation
- Online monitoring of measuring points