Based on results from microscopic analysis of steel samples, flowfield calculations thermodynamic and kinetic considerations, amodel has been derived that describes the evolution of the concentration,composition and size of the inclusions in the liquid steelduring the injection of calcium. The mathematical solution of themodel requires the incorporation of Population Balance Equations.The modelling results are compared to the actual inclusion compositionin the steel from IJmuiden BOS2.

The scarcity and discrepancies in thermodynamic data in Ca andMg containing iron-basis systems is reviewed. The difficulties ofhandling the problems involving these elements in steel with classicalthermodynamic methods recommend the use of computationalthermodynamics. Examples of applications of this method to Caand Mg related problems in steelmaking are presented.

Environmental emissions constraints have led manufacturersto improve their low NOx recuperative burners. The developmentby Tenova of the FlexyTech® Flameless burners withlow NOx emissions, even below the present “Best AvailableTechnology” limit of 40 ppm at 3%O2 with furnace temperature1250°C, air preheat 450°C, is described. The results achievedduring the R&D programme have been also improved inthe industrial installations. Some details and performances ofthe recent furnaces equipped with such burners are provided.

SIEMENS-VAI started the development for full automatic operationof all activities on the cast floor of continuous casting machines.A full size test robot was installed in a laboratory with on boardposition detection and all necessary tools. Specific solutions forallowing full automatic operation were engineered, manufacturedand tested. The first robot will go in operation in December 2007.

The main purpose of ArcelorMittal Tubarao skin pass is to improvethe flatness in thin gauges hot rolled strips. Since the start-up in2002 several actions have been implemented and a consistentevolution of quality and process control has been reached:
The philosophy of production scheduling along the rolls campaignto minimize the effect of roll wear;
The definition of optimum target elongations to keep as constantas possible the roll forces and avoid roll bending changes;
The automation of bending forces control according tocharacteristics of the strip and the rolls.

The new standard EN 14140:2004 permits the use of HighStrength Steel grades for the manufacturing of cylinders havinga steel sheet thickness lower than the limit imposed by theolder EN 1442:1998. The new steel grades proposed for themanufacturing of light weight LPG cylinders have been thoroughlycharacterized in terms of their in-process behavior.

Stainless steel reinforcement extends the life of concrete, at higherinitial costs that may be compensated for by the reduction ofmaintenance. The effect of several parameters on the galvaniccoupling between carbon and stainless steel is reported. It isdemonstrated that the introduction of stainless steel rebars do notaccelerate the intrinsic corrosion of carbon steel, depending oncommon rules about surface ratio and number of contact points.