Application of electromagnetic field techniques to steelmaking processes

Nippon Steel is expanding the application of electromagnetic field techniques in steelmaking processes by making the most of numerical analysis techniques based on the general-purpose electromagnetic field analysis software "FLEDY" they have developed. They have developed models concerning each problem of electromagnetic stirring, electromagnetic breaking and free-surface shaping. These are the basic magnetohydrodynamic analysis techniques to be applied to the molten steel process. The models are based on the models which were developed in magnetohydrodynamics and fluid dynamics. Next, electromagnetic stirring for continuous slab and billet casters, electromagnetic braking, and electromagnetic stirring in consideration of free surface shape in billet casters were developed as techniques to be applied to molten steel, and the magnetohydrodynamic characteristics involved were clarified. Furthermore, a DC electromagnetic force hot strip mill runout table and a strip center positioning unit were efficiently developed as techniques to be applied to strip. Lastly, the magnetizer of a magnetic particle tester for billets was optimally designed as an example of electromagnetic field technology application to sensors. Some of these techniques are already employed at steel plants as important tools for quality improvement and cost reduction.