Experts in steel metallurgy and process gas engineering from Linde LLC, New Providence, N.J., and Linde Engineering North America Inc. (Blue Bell, Pa.) are showcasing technologies for improving plant productivity, product quality and environmental performance at AISTech 2015 at the Cleveland Convention Center, May 4-7.
At booth #2831, Linde is featuring process solutions for REBOX pre-heating which increases throughput while reducing emissions—OXYGON ladle pre-heating for equipment use optimization and performance maximization, and REBOX DFI (direct flame impingement) for rapid surface preparation—as well as HYDROPRIME and ADSOSS technologies for hydrogen and atmospheric gas generating to address large demand requirements. In the AIST technical sessions, experts are presenting overviews of two advanced systems for on-site production of hydrogen and oxygen process gases—both with proven results in commercial operation:
Annealing & Rolling Theory (Cold-sheet Rolling)
“HYDROPRIME Gas Generators Provide Low-Cost, Reliable Hydrogen for Steelmaking,” presented by Goutam Shahani, Linde Engineering North America Inc.; Kyle Finley, Hydro-Chem; Tony Palermo, Linde LLC; Nick Onelli, Linde LLC; and Larry Lyda, Hydro-Chem.
Energy Efficiency Savings (Energy and Utilities)
“Oxygen Vacuum Pressure Swing Adsorption Systems (O2 VPSA) Enhance Steelmaking,” presented by Tobias Geisler-Kahlert, Linde AG; Goutam Shahani, Linde Engineering North America Inc.
Customized blast furnace solutions for oxygen enrichment and purging, for example, can help increase production capacity, decrease coke consumption, use lower-cost fuels and reduce fuel consumption. Operations can also benefit when combined with cost-saving oxyfuel solutions for electric arc furnaces through Linde partner MORE (of Italy) which supplies a range of EAF steelmaking packages, including burners and injection equipment. For the refining stage, Linde supplies argon and nitrogen to remove inclusions and homogenize molten metal temperature.
On-site hydrogen supply
In the steel industry, hydrogen and nitrogen are used for bright annealing and metallic coating to provide an oxide-free surface in order to enhance the physical and chemical properties of steel. HYDROPRIME, a unique steam methane reformer employing an integrated heat-recovery system, reduces the cost and improves the reliability of hydrogen supply targeted at larger 24/7 continuous demand requirements. HYDROPRIME plants can produce 0.15–0.3 MMSCFD of 99.999% hydrogen at 200 psig.
On-site oxygen supply
Linde oxygen vacuum pressure swing adsorption (O2 VPSA) systems can help a steelmaker achieve multiple objectives of increased energy efficiency, productivity, cost management and environmental performance. The fully automatic plants produce up to 200 t/d of oxygen at up to 94% purity, on demand with high availability and with low specific energy consumption. In addition, modular construction reduces field construction and commissioning time.
