Primetals Technologies Austria GmbH (Linz, Austria):

Klinger A., e-mail: angelika.klinger@primetals.com

Altendorfer A.

Bettinger D.

Midrex Technologies, Inc.(Pineville, North Carolina, USA):

Hughes G. D., Prof

Qatar Steel Company (Mesaieed, Qatar):

Al-Husseini A. A.

Gupta D. R.

“DRIpax” is an integrated process optimization system for a Midrex direct reduction plant developed by Primetals Technologies and Midrex Technologies. In the following, an overview of the modular system architecture and the process information and data management system is given as well as a presentation of the process models embedded in the system. Of particular note, an insight into the new product quality prediction models is provided. These models are based on the physical and chemical principles without usage of “black boxes” concepts. It provides extremely high level of precision of prediction in comparison with the measurements passed on laboratorial conditions. The new system was installed for the fi rst time at the Midrex DR plant Module 2 of Qatar Steel and is now successfully in operation at this plant. The system is able to predict as metallization degree, as well as carbon content in the product inside standard analytical deviations. The competencies and experience are integrated in the expert system database and provide stable conditions for equipment operation. Another place of putting this expert system into practice is the Midrex plant at Corpus Christie plant of voestalpine Texas LLC in the USA.

1. Al-Husseini, A. A.; Gupta, D. R.; Hughes, G.; Altendorfer, A.; Klinger, A.: DR plant process optimization system — commissioning report at Qatar Steel and new developments regarding the metallization and carbon prediction models, 2015 Intern. Conf. on Midrex Technology, Barcelona, Spanien, 19.–22. Okt. 2015.
2. Klinger, A.; Kronberger, T.; Schaler, M.; Schürz, B.; Stohl, K. in: Expert systems controlling the iron making process in closed loop operation, expert systems, Petrica Vizureanu [Hrsg.], Intech, 2010, S. 117 ff.
3. Schaler, M.; Fritschek, H.; Kronberger, T.; Schürz, B.: Blast furnace expert systems — 25 years of experience, AISTech Conference 2016, Pittsburgh, USA, 16.–19. May 2016.
4. Direct from Midrex, 2. Quartal 2015.
5. Webseite der voestalpine Texas LCC: http://www.voestalpine.com/texas/en/Project/The-Project.