The VD process optimization system is a completely integrated automation solution to operate the vacuum process at an extremely high efficiency and availability to produce the required steel qualities. The VD optimization system ensures an exact adjustment of the steel composition and steel bath temperature and supports all process variants (e.g. VOD – VD with oxygen blowing lance). Optimum degassing and a fully automatic production sequence from steelmaking to casting are possible.
VD process overview
While demands on products and processes are ever increasing, steel producers meet capacity limits that may not least be caused by inadequate automation technology. Often, outdated automation systems supply poor optimization and insufficient documentation of steelmaking processes and thus cause high maintenance costs. Modern steelmaking requires a fast and cost-efficient metallurgical and thermal fine tuning as well as an exact coordination of the vacuum degassing units with the continuous casting operations.
Siemens VAI automation systems are based on decades of combined engineering, plant-building, operational, metallurgical and automation experience and are the key to high-quality VD treatment. In addition, both integrated and standalone automation solutions are provided for all levels. The dynamic VD process models, which are purely based on physical and chemical principles make it possible to achieve accurate imaging of the complete vacuum process. The advanced process models determine – on a cost optimized basis - the required materials for final adjustment of the steel analysis. The metallurgical treatments, as desulphurization, de-oxidation, alloying and degassing are fully controlled and continuous calculations determine the actual heat composition. The VD process models allow for offline tuning and simulation prior to release to the production system.