Speaker
Description
The modern steel industry is undergoing a profound paradigm shift driven by digital transformation and the urgent need for process decarbonization.Central to this evolution is the electrification of reheating processes before rolling, a fundamental necessity for the abatement of CO2 emissions of existing steel plants.Within this context, electromagnetic induction stands out as a primary candidate due to its higher Technology Readiness Level(TRL) compared to other electrification methods evaluated in current research, such as direct resistance heating or the substitution of gas burners with electric resistances.Induction heating offers significant advantages, including instantaneous heat generation, rapid processing cycles, and superior thermal uniformity.Furthermore, by minimizing residence time at high temperatures, it drastically reduces scale formation and surface decarburization,ensuring enhanced product quality.From a sustainability perspective, this technology enables zero direct emissions and superior energy efficiency by heating the workpiece internally, thus eliminating the thermal losses typical of convective systems.In the scope of the EU Horizon project ModHEATech,this study presents a research activity developed by RINA-CSM focused on the decarbonization of the steel sector through advanced numerical simulation.A complex electromagnetic-thermal multiphysics model was developed using Comsol Multiphysics.This model simulates the heating of steel billets prior to rolling mills, controlled via power, voltage, or current, to determine optimal parameters that satisfy both production and quality requirements.The study is supported by laboratory testing campaign on billet specimens for calibration and validation of model’s results. The investigation focuses on thermal and current density distribution within the billet, considering variables such as steel grade, power supply, frequency, and productivity. The study improves production efficiency and product quality by integrating induction heating within industrial constraints. The approach enhances temperature uniformity, reduces thermal gradients and crack formation,and highlights billet geometry effects on performance.Although circular billets provide optimal heating, practical limits remain, making process refinement essential for sustainable and competitive steel production.
| Speaker Company/University | RINA Consulting – CSM S.p.a. |
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