Technology that naturally opens the outlet at the bottom of the molten metal container to allow molten metal to be poured
Achieving continuous natural opening to improve both quality and productivity
[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seonsik] POSCO Gwangyang Steelworks (Director Lee Jinsu) has taken the lead in improving productivity by setting a great record of maintaining 100% ladle* natural opening rate operation continuously since December 20, 2020.
The ladle natural opening rate is one of the key operational indicators that directly affect productivity and quality in the steelmaking and continuous casting plants of a steelworks.
The molten steel produced in the steelmaking plant is poured into the ladle and sent to the continuous casting plant, where it undergoes the continuous casting process. At this time, the ladle nozzle naturally opens to allow the molten steel to be injected into the downstream process (continuous casting plant), which is called "natural opening."
The ladle nozzle must naturally open so that the molten steel smoothly passes through the continuous casting equipment to produce steel semi-finished products such as slabs. If natural opening does not occur, the ladle must be returned according to the safety-first principle, causing quality degradation and productivity loss due to the return process.
The 3rd Steelmaking Plant of the Heavy Plate Division at Gwangyang Steelworks has maintained a natural opening rate of over 99.9% since 2016 and achieved the great record of 100% natural opening operation for two consecutive years. When converted to molten steel volume, this amounts to about 10 million tons.
To stabilize ladle natural opening, the 3rd Steelmaking Plant staff operated a dedicated drying yard for ladle nozzles and established and monitored a consumable materials management process.
They also reexamined factors related to natural opening and strengthened equipment robustness through thorough management based on work standards, contributing to maintaining the 100% natural opening rate.
Kim Gwangcheon, Plant Manager of the 3rd Steelmaking Plant at the Heavy Plate Division of Gwangyang Steelworks, said, “This great record is even more meaningful as it was achieved through communication and collaboration based on mutual trust,” adding, “I thank the employees who put their heads together and worked hard, and we will continue to strive to create a 3rd Steelmaking Plant that actively practices the corporate citizenship spirit in a culture of respect and consideration.”
Gwangyang Steelworks has entered a maximum production system since last year after the unprecedented flooding at Pohang Steelworks caused by the cold stream overflow, and is working to minimize damage to customers.
Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seonsik hss79@asiae.co.kr
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