Optimization of the AOD stainless steel processing cost by the UTCAS System

Abstract:  The Argon Oxygen Decarburization (AOD) process is one of the major stainless steel refining routes. Several parameters come into play deciding the outcome of the process. The task focuses on studying an optimized processing in an AOD converter using the UHT’s Converter Automation System (UTCAS)-process control program. The process parameters that mostly influence the process are studied and their effect on the process are analyzed. The 304, 409, 316, 430, 201, 2205 stainless steel grades are chosen for this study. The input temperature, input element content (carbon, chromium, nickel, silica, molybdenum and manganese), input steel mass are varied individually keeping all the other parameters constant and their effect on the process is analyzed. The parameters like process time, amount of gases (O2, N2 and Ar) consumed, amount of reducing agent (FeSi) and amount of alloy addition are taken into consideration to decide the optimal outcome of the process. The number of gas blowing steps is also varied to study its influence on the AOD process. This is done at different process initial input to also study the effect varying parameters on the stainless steel process. After analyzing the effect of all the parameters suggestible range of values for the parameters are proposed for on optimal blowing in an AOD converter.