DEPARTMENT OF PROCESS AND ENVIRONMENTAL … · HUT/TKK Helsinki University of Technology ISIJ Iron...

ANNUAL REPORT 2002 3

DEPARTMENT OF PROCESS ANDENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

Laboratory of Process Metallurgy

ANNUAL REPORT 2002

Editor: MARKO PETÄJÄJÄRVI

UNIVERSITY OF OULULABORATORY OF PROCESS METALLURGY

P.O. BOX 4300FIN-90014 UNIVERSITY OF OULU

OULU UNIVERSITY PRESS

OULU 2003

ANNUAL REPORT 20024

LIST OF USED ABBREVIATIONS

AOD Argon Oxygen Decarburization; Converter used forstainless steelmaking by Avesta Polarit

BF Blast Furnace

BOF Basic Oxygen Furnace

CFD Computational Fluid Dynamics

CMU Carnagie Mellon University

CRC Chrome Converter; Converter used for stainlesssteelmaking by AvestaPolarit

D.Phil. (Geol. Min.) Doctor of Philosophy (Geology and Mineralogy)

D.Sc. (Tech.) Doctor of Technology, Dr. Tech.

EDS-SEM Energy Dispersive Spectrometer - Scanning ElectronMicroscope

GSCE Graduate School in Chemical Engineering(Academy of Finland)

HUT/TKK Helsinki University of Technology

ISIJ Iron and Steel Institute of Japan

KTH Kungl Tekniska Högskolan

Lic. (Tech.) Licentiate of Science (Technology)

LD-KG Linz-Donau - Kawasaki Gas; Basic Oxygen Furnace(converter) used for steelmaking by Rautaruukki Steel

M.Sc. (Chem.) Master of Science (Chemistry)

M.Sc. (Geol. Min.) Master of Science (Geology and Mineralogy)

M.Sc. (Math) Master of Science (Mathematics),

M.Sc. (Tech.) Master of Science (Technology), M.Sc.Eng, Dipl.Eng.

NTNU Norges teknisk-naturvitenskepelige universitet


SEM Scanning Electron Microscope

TEKES National Technology Agency of Finland

TGA-DTA Thermogravimetry and Differential Thermal - Analyzer

XRD X-ray Dissruction Spectrometer

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland

PGM Platinum-group minerals

PGE Primary platinum-group elements (Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir, Pt)

EOL Institute of Electron Optics

EFTEM Energy Filtered Transmission Electron Microscope

FESEM Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope

STEM Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope

EPMA Electron Probe Microanalyzer

DCP-AES Direct Current Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry

ICP-AES Induction Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry

ICP-MS Induction Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

OES Optical Emission Spectroscopy

OMBKE Hungarian Metallurgical and Mining Society

IOM Institute of Materials

IISI International Iron and Steel Society

ESIC European Steel Institutes Federation

SINTEF The Foundation for Scientific and Industrial Research at theNorwegian Institute of Technology

SIMS Scandinavian Simulation Society

ANNUAL REPORT 20026

The year 2002 was the eleventh full calendar year inthe history of the Process Metallurgy professorship.During those years the professorship has exceededboth the education and research goals established uponfoundation. Over 60 Diploma Engineers have quali-fied and 12 Licentiates of Science and Doctors havegraduated. The number of graduates exceeded 100 in2002, if those that attended the special courses ofupdating training, during 1989-1991, are included inthe count. These hundred graduates are placed, as arule, along the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia in the serv-ices of the metallurgical industry (AvestPolarit, Rauta-ruukki, Outokumpu). The professorship education hasthus alleviated the shortage of engineers within theindustry in accordance with foundation aims.

Research activities have over the last three years beenvery lively. The most important reason for this has beenTEKES’s technology programme “Frontiers of Metal-lurgy”. Within this framework and with the support ofthe industry, over half the laboratory’s external researchfunding has come from this technological programme.At its height the laboratory’s workforce totalled 46during 2002.

The laboratory’s research commitments have contin-ued unbroken over several years, so that the reces-

PREFACE


sion that has troubled industry has not for the timebeing affected our operations in its extensiveness.During the past year the increase in projects relatingto environmental questions was clearly discernible.It is presumable that the university’s focal point: envi-ronmental technology and accordingly process metal-lurgy research will in future be, more than ever, stronglydirected towards minimizing the environmental effectsof the industry.

The laboratory has actively taken part in the develop-ment of both teaching and research activities of theDepartment of Process and Environmental Engineer-ing. At departmental level also we metallurgists expe-rience as our goal the creation of a unified, open andfunctional department. The possibility of our ownactive development enables collaboration that has beenand will be good also in the future. We have in 2002once again succeeded exceptionally in our actions.

Thanks to all our personnel – I am proud of you!

Jouko Härkki

Professor

Head of the Laboratory

ANNUAL REPORT 20028

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

LIST OF USED ABBREVIATIONS 4

PREFACE 6

TABLE OF CONTENTS 8

1 LABORATORY STAFF AND STUDENTS 12

2 EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES 16

2.1 University Courses Held by the Laboratory 16

2.1.1 Metallurgical Processes 16

2.1.2 Metallurgical Thermodynamics 17

2.1.3 Theory of Pyrometallurgical Processes 17

2.1.4 Laboratory Working 17

2.1.5 Casting and Solidification 18

2.1.6 Construction Materials of High Temperature Processes 18

2.1.7 Steel Industry’s Challenges 18


Page

3 RESEARCH ACTIVITIES 19

3.1 Reduction Metallurgy 20

3.1.1 Development of the Steel Belt Sintering Technologyfor Ferroalloys 20

3.1.2 PANAMA 21

3.1.3 Reduction of Chromites 21

3.1.4 Control of BF Hearth and Tuyere Level Operationand Extension of Hearth Duration 24

3.1.5 Coke 25

3.1.6 OPTIDUST II 26

3.2 Refining Metallurgy 27

3.2.1 CONVERTO 27

3.2.2 TASK 29

3.2.3 AHA 30

3.2.4 Inclusion Control 31

3.2.5 INGROS 323.2.6 TTJV 33

3.2.7 MMX 34

ANNUAL REPORT 200210

Page

4 RESEARCH DEVICES AND ANALYTIC INSTRUMENTS 35

4.1 High Temperature Devices 35

4.1.1 TGA 35

4.1.2 High Temperature Viscosimeter 36

4.1.3 Finger Test Device 36

4.1.4 Optical Dilatometer 36

4.1.5 Gradient Furnace 37

4.1.6 Pressure Furnace 37

4.1.7 Alkali Test 37

4.2 Other Devices 38

4.2.1 Watermodels 38

4.2.2 Coulter Omnisorp 360 cx 38

4.2.3 Computational Fluid Dynamics Software 38

4.2.4 Thermodynamic Calculation Programmes 38

4.2.5 Gas Chromatograph 38

4.2.6 Microscopes 38

4.2.7 Materialographic Surface Preparation of Solid Materials 39

4.3 Other Available Facilities 40

TABLE OF CONTENTS


Page

5 PUBLICATIONS 2002 41

5.1 Papers 41

5.2 Conferences and Symposiums 42

5.3 Reports 43

5.4 Annuals and Final Reports 44

6 THESIS 45

6.1 Licenciate in Technology Theses 45

6.2 Diploma Engineer Theses(Master of Science in Technology) 45

7 CONFERENCE VISITS 46

8 LABORATORY FREE-TIME ACTIVITIES 47

9 CONTACT INFORMATION 49

Map of the University of Oulu 50


1 LABORATORY STAFF AND STUDENTS

Academic StaffHärkki, Jouko D.Sc. (Tech.), Professor, Head of the Laboratory

Taskinen, Pekka D.Sc.(Tech.), Docent in thermodynamics,Outokumpu Research Centre, Pori

Seppänen, Matti D.Sc.(Tech.), Docent in processmetallurgy,Rautaruukki Steel, Raahe

Heinänen, Kyösti D. Phil (Geol. Min.), Docent in mineralogy,Rautaruukki Steel, Raahe

Jonsson, Lage D.Sc.(Tech.), Docent in macro modelling, Luleå, Sweden

Heino, Jyrki Lic. (Tech.), Senior Assistant

Heikkinen, Eetu-Pekka Lic.(Tech.), Assistant

Kallio, Sauli M.Sc.(Geol. Min.), Part-time teacher

Kokkonen, Tommi M.Sc.(Chem.), Part-time teacher

Makkonen, Hannu M.Sc.(Geol. Min.), Part-time teacher

Mattila, Riku M.Sc.(Tech.), Part-time teacher

Paananen, Timo M.Sc.(Tech.), Part-time teacher

Tanskanen, Pekka M.Sc.(Geol. Min.), Part-time teacher

Angerman, Mikko Student, Part-time teacher

Ikäheimonen, Topi Student, Part-time teacher

Virtanen, Esa Student, Part-time teacher

Teachers from the IndustryHooli, Paavo M.Sc. (Tech.), Part-time teacher,

AvestaPolarit, Tornio

Päätalo, Mika M.Sc. (Tech.), Part-time teacher,AvestaPolarit, Tornio

Co-lecturers: Researchers from the laboratory,Rautaruukki Steel and AvestaPolarit


ResearchersAngerman, Mikko Student, Project Manager

Aspegren, Pasi M.Sc. (Tech.)

Erkkilä, Helena M.Sc. (Tech.), MGS, Project Manager

Fabritius, Timo Lic. (Tech.), Special Researcher, Research Manager

Fedory, Paul Exchange Student

Gornostayev, Stanislav S. Ph.D.

Harju, Markus M.Sc. (Math.)

Heikkinen, Eetu-Pekka Lic. (Tech.)

Hiltunen, Rita M.Sc. (Geol. Min.)

Huttunen, Satu M.Sc. (Chem.), GSCE, Leave of absence.

Höynälä, Arto M.Sc. (Phys.)

Kallio, Kimmo M.Sc. (Tech.), Project Manager, GSCE

Kallio, Sauli M.Sc. (Geol. Min.), Researcher

Luomala, Matti M.Sc. (Tech.), Project Manager, GSCE

Makkonen, Hannu M.Sc. (Geol. Min.), Project Manager

Mattila, Olli M.Sc. (Tech.), Project Manager, GSCE

Mattila, Riku M.Sc. (Tech.)

Määttä, Hanski M.Sc. (Tech.)

Paananen, Timo M.Sc. (Tech.), Researcher

Rantapirkola, Kristian

Sippola, Jukka Student

Talonen, Anna-Maija M.Sc.(Chem.)

Tang, Yong Dr. (Tech.)

Tanskanen, Pekka M.Sc. (Geol. Min.), Project Manager


Research AssistantsAho, Jani Student

Hekkala, Lauri Student

Ikäheimonen, Topi Student

Kaijalainen, Antti Student

Kokkonen, Tommi M.Sc. (Chem.)

Kurkinen, Petri Student

Kyllönen, Toni Student

Leinonen, Virpi Student

Mure, Petri Student

Mäenpää, Jani1 Student

Olenius, Elina Student

Petäjäjärvi, Marko Student

Pöyhtäri, Samuli Student

Siivola, Tero Student

Virtanen, Esa Student

Vähäoja, Pekka Student

Diploma Thesis WorkersFranssila Laura Karjalainen, Eveliina

Hekkala, Lauri Leinonen, Mervi

Halmeenpää, Riina Mure, Petri

Hurme, Rauno Mäenpää, Jani

Isokääntä, Jani Olenius, Elina

Kangas, Jyrki Siivola, Tero

Karhulahti, Timo Sola, Petri

Karekivi, Pasi Virtanen, Esa


Technical StaffKokkonen, Tommi M.Sc. (Chem.), Research Assistant

Luukkonen, Jarno Laboratory Technician

Mattila, Riku M.Sc.(Tech.), Laboratory Manager

Penttinen, Jorma Special Laboratory Technician, part-time

Virkkala, Jouko Laboratory Technician

AdministrationZinovjev, Berith Project Secretary, Financial Manager

Puolakka, Ritva Secretary, part-time

Heikkinen, Kaisa Secretary, Web-master, part-time

Postgraduate StudentsErkkilä, Helena (in MGS) Luomala, Matti (in GSCE)

Fabritius, Timo Makkonen, Hannu

Heikkinen Eetu-Pekka Mattila, Olli (in GSCE)

Heino, Jyrki Mattila, Riku

Hiltunen, Rita Niemi, Tommi

Huttunen, Satu (in GSCE) Paananen, Timo

Kallio, Kimmo (in GSCE) Tanskanen, Pekka

New students from 1.9.2002Ajanki, Teemu Pieksä, Vesa

Kangas, Ossi Pyykkönen, Juha

Kasala, Markku Rainto, Ilkka

Liisanantti, Ville Tauriainen, Jukka

Mansikka, Jukka Tuominen, Petri

Pekki, Mikko


2 EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIESEetu-Pekka Heikkinen

As a part of the Department of Process and Environmental Engineering, theLaboratory of Process Metallurgy organizes its education in a way that serves theeducational objectives of the whole department as well as possible while trying tofulfil the goals of its own strategy at the same time.

The primary goal of the laboratory’s education is to educate people with masters’and doctoral degrees (M.Sc.Eng. and D.Sc.Tech.) into the service of metallurgicalindustry whereas the department’s aims are to equip students with the ability tounderstand, model and control the phenomena inside the processes no matterwhat the process in question is. In order to achieve the understanding and control ofthe processes, many general skills in favour of special knowledge are emphasized inthe education. These general skills include fundamental knowledge of natural scienc-es, problem solving skills and ability to approach problems from different viewpointsand to apply general knowledge to different matters.

Although the emphasis of the laboratory’s education is in the metallurgical process-es of iron, steel and ferroalloys production, the aims of the laboratory and the de-partment are not contradictory, because it is not the laboratory’s only goal to teachpeople to understand the metallurgical processes as thoroughly as possible. It isequally important to give students different viewpoints and perspectives to the phe-nomena and problems concerning metallurgical processes as well as other challeng-es which a freshly graduated M.Sc.Eng. may encounter in his or her future job. Fromthis point of view the aims of the laboratory are in good accord with the aims of thewhole department.

It is noteworthy that students graduating from the laboratory of process metallurgyare primarily experts in process engineering. For them process metallurgy is a sub-ject to which general knowledge of process engineering is applied; not the mainfocus itself.

2.1 UNIVERSITY COURSES HELD BY THE LABORATORY

2.1.1 Metallurgical ProcessesMetallurgical processes is the laboratory’s only course which is directed at all thestudents of process; not just the metallurgists. The aim of the course is to teachstudents the fundamentals of the metallurgical unit processes and metal production


in Finland as well as the basics of thermodynamics and its applications in metallurgy.Some environmental aspects are considered, too. Although the emphasis of thelaboratory’s education is on the production of iron, steel and ferroalloys, the produc-tion of other metals (e.g. copper, nickel, zinc and aluminium) is also considered dur-ing this course.

The course is carried out with lectures, exercises and industrial excursions which aredirected either at Rautaruukki’s steel works in Raahe or at AvestaPolarit’s steel worksin Tornio. The course was lectured in 2002 by Senior Assistant Jyrki Heino (Tech.Lic.),Researcher Timo Paananen (M.Sc.Eng.) and Professor Jouko Härkki (D.Sc.Tech.).

2.1.2 Metallurgical ThermodynamicsThe aim of the course is to equip the students with tools that are needed whileexamining the phenomena inside metallurgical processes in the forthcoming cours-es. It means that after this course students are required to have a sufficient knowl-edge of physical chemistry for thermodynamic calculations which involve gas andliquid (slag and metal) phases. The most important topics are thermodynamics ofsolutions, phase diagrams and the use of commercial software in thermodynamicequilibria calculations.

The course was lectured in 2001-2002 by Assistant Eetu-Pekka Heikkinen (Tech.Lic.)and Researcher Hannu Makkonen (M.Sc.Geol.Min.) and in 2002-2003 by AssistantEetu-Pekka Heikkinen (Tech.Lic.) and Part-time Teacher Topi Ikäheimonen.

2.1.3 Theory of Pyrometallurgical ProcessesDuring this course the phenomena inside the pyrometallurgical processes are con-sidered using thermodynamics, kinetics, heat transfer, mass transfer and fluid dynam-ics. The purpose of education is not only to teach metallurgy, but also develop stu-dents’ ability to present their ideas and opinions both literally and verbally.

The course is carried out with lectures, seminars and industrial excursions which aredirected at Rautaruukki’s and AvestaPolarit’s steel works in Raahe and Tornio. Thecourse was lectured in 2002 by Professor Jouko Härkki (D.Sc.Tech.) and researchersfrom the laboratory; e.g. Timo Fabritius (Tech. Lic.) and Pekka Tanskanen(M.Sc.Geol.Min.).

2.1.4 Laboratory WorkingUntil 2001, laboratory exercises were a part of the “Theory of pyrometallurgicalprocesses” -course. The purpose of the course is to teach students how experimen-tal laboratory scale research is carried out by using the experimental equipment at


the university and industry’s research centres. In addition to this, some safety aspectsare considered during the lectures.

The course was lectured in 2002 by Research Assistants Esa Virtanen and TommiKokkonen (M.Sc.Chem.) as well as Laboratory Manger Riku Mattila (M.Sc.Eng.). Theexercises were supervised by Researchers Sauli Kallio (M.Sc.Geol.Min.) and TimoPaananen (M.Sc.Eng.).

2.1.5 Casting and SolidificationThe aim of the course is to equip students with the ability to study casting andsolidification using both phenomenon- and process-based viewpoints. The contentsof this course have been updated and kept close to practice due to skilled lecturersfrom the industry. In 2002 the course was lectured by Paavo Hooli (M.Sc.Eng.) andMika Päätalo (M.Sc.Eng.) from AvestaPolarit Stainless.

2.1.6 Construction Materials of High Temperature ProcessesThis course is focused on ceramic refractory materials and their use as constructionmaterials in metallurgy and other high temperature processes. The aim of the courseis to present different kind of refractory materials, their physical and chemical prop-erties as well as interaction mechanisms between refractories and metallurgical melts(slag and metal).

The course was lectured in 2002 by Researcher Hannu Makkonen (M.Sc.Geol.Min.)and Professor Jouko Härkki (D.Sc.Tech.).

2.1.7 Steel Industry’s ChallengesThe aim of the last course of metallurgy is to represent metallurgical processes andindustry as a part of a larger economic-technical environment in which environmen-tal aspects are also considered. The contents feature for example main ideas oftechnology roadmaps, challenges of metallurgical research and development, reviewof the development state of alternative metallurgical processes, steel industry’s ef-fects on the environment and visions of future business environment of the steelindustry.

In 2002 the course was lectured by Researcher Mikko Angerman, Professor JoukoHärkki (D.Sc.Tech.) and several lecturers from the industrial field. The use of visitinglecturers ensures that the contents of the course are always updated and close topractice.


3 RESEARCH ACTIVITIESTimo Fabritius

The research activities of the Laboratory of Process Metallurgy contain the wholeprocess chain of steelmaking focusing on the process units where steel is not yetsolidified (blast furnace, converter, ladle, continuous casting). The research actions inthe Laboratory of Process Metallurgy have divided into three divisions: reductionmetallurgy, refining metallurgy and refractory materials. Furthermore, the researchactivities on the field of high temperature chemistry of recycling and waste treat-ments have increased during year 2002. Detailed information of research subjects ispresented in the following chapter.

Developing and building of research devices and analytical instruments for laborato-ry experiments was furthermore one of the most important investment targets.Now we have good possibilities to carry out many kind of metallurgical experimentsas well as numerical simulations of fluid flows and thermodynamic equilibrium calcu-lations.

The year 2002 was economically difficult for the metallurgical industry and this showedin decreased financing of academic research. Several research projects finished at theend of last year and the accumulation of scientific knowledge and competence ofresearch groups became complicated. Despite that, the production of scientific pub-lications in referee journals increased remarkably amongst the whole research per-sonnel. Some doctoral theses are awaiting graduation during the forthcoming year.

Despite of above-mentioned difficulties, the near future looks quite positive becausescientific knowledge and competence in the peak research areas have further strength-ened.


3.1 REDUCTION METALLURGY

3.1.1 Development of the Steel Belt Sintering Technology forFerroalloys

Project Manager: Timo FabritiusResearcher: Lauri HekkalaResearch Assistant: Elina Olenius

The steel belt sintering technology is used for manufacturing chromite pellets thatare charged in the smelting furnace for ferrochromium production. Hot air is blownthrough the moving bed of raw pellets. Direct temperature and flow measurementsare difficult to do in the bed of a real scale belt sintering process. Therefore, a testedand reliable mathematical model would be a valuable help for optimising operation-al parameters of the process and designing new constructional improvements.

The aim of this project was to present a mathematical model that calculates the gasflow and temperature distribution in the bed of pellets and the atmosphere. Com-putational fluid dynamics programme FLUENT is used to calculate the gas flow,composition and temperature of the gas in the sintering bed during processing. Lotsof laboratory experiments (drying of pellets, specific heat and heat conductivity ofpellets, oxidation of carbon and chromite etc.) were done for verification of themathematical model. As a result of the project the simplified mathematical model,which takes account of all main chemical and physical phenomena, was developed.This 3-year co-operation project finished at the end of 2002.

Picture 1. Comparison between measured and modelled gas temperature in batch sintering experiment withchemically inert and dry pellets.


3.1.2 PANAMAPanama: Novel Analysis and Optimisation of Blast Furnace BurdenMaterials for Cost-Effective and High-Iron Capacity Production.Project Manager: Pekka TanskanenResearchers: Sauli Kallio and Anna-Maija Talonen

PANAMA is a subcontract project (1.7.2001-30.6.2004) for Rautaruukki Raahe Steel.Final target of this project is to develop a mineralogy-based optimization method foriron burden materials to enable more stable and cost-effective blast furnace opera-tion. The research includes determination of the mineralogical evolution of ferrousburden in the blast furnace shaft. Further, formation and evolution of liquid slagsfrom the cohesive zone down to the final blast furnace slag will be traced. A specialissue of the project is to characterise the alkali capture of different solid mineralsystems and the alkali retention capacity of different primary liquids. The alkali reten-tion during the liquid evolution path to the final slag will be determined as well. Theresearch is realised as laboratory-scale experiments. Different iron burden materialsare used in the mineralogical part of the research. The chemistry mineralogy interre-lations between the iron oxides and slag phases and the initial liquid formation aredetermined in equilibrium-state at certain reduction stages. The further evolutionand properties of the liquid slags will be determined with synthetic slag systems. Theresearch methods include chemical analysis, optical microscopy, TGA, SEM, XRD,DTA, viscometer, optical dilatometer, and thermodynamic equilibrium calculation.

3.1.3 Reduction of ChromitesProject Manager: Rita Hiltunen

The project was started on 15th of May 2000 and ended on 31st of December 2002.The project included two different sections, which were funded by TEKES.

The Reduction Behaviour of Mg-poor Chromites of the AkanvaaraLayered Intrusion, Northern FinlandProject Manager: Rita Hiltunen

The Akanvaara intrusion (surface area of 50-55 km2) in Savukoski, Northern Finland,hosts 23 distinct monocumulate layers of small euhedral chromite crystals enclosedin silicate matrix. Chromitite layers in Akanvaara intrusion have been divided into


four groups; UC (upper chromitite), ULC (uppermost lower chromitite) LC (lowerchromitite) and LLC (lowermost lower chromitite). The driving force to investigatethe Akanvaara chromites and their reduction behaviour originates from the verylow content of MgO and relatively low content of Al2O3. Thus Akanvaara chromiteshave a unique quality which based on thermodynamics should facilitate the reduc-tion. Another interesting feature is the high amount of V2O3 especially in the upperchromitite. The chromites included in this study are from the UC and ULC layers(24,9 % and 22,7 % Cr2O3 respectively). To get a better understanding of the reduc-tion behaviour of the Akanvaara samples in comparison to Mg-bearing chromitites,Kemi chromite of the ferrochrome works in Tornio Finland, was included in thestudy as a reference material.

Reduction experiments were isothermal in temperature range of 1000-1400˚C andin various atmospheres. Experiments were also conducted with coke addition inpellets and briquettes. According to the results of the reduction experiments com-plemented with microanalytical research, the Akanvaara chromites do reduce to ahigher degree than Kemi chromite. Although the aim of the study was to character-ize the mechanisms of reduction focused on gas-solid-reactions, the nature and theamount of the gangue minerals was such, that a considerable amount of slag phasewas formed and effected reduction mechanisms extensively. Gangue minerals andstructural features together with low MgO and high FeO content in both Akanvaarachromites are important factors resulting in better reducibility compared to Kemichromite.

Mineralogical Research on Chromites of the Akanvaara Deposit andProducts of their Processing with Emphasis on PGM/PGEResearcher: Stanislav Gornostayev

The objectives of this project were: to re-examine selected samples of chromite orefrom Akanvaara on platinum-group minerals (PGM), to determine their occurrenceand nature and to see how the PGM, if any, behave under the conditions originallyset for processing and reduction of the ores. The main research tools were: opticalmicroscope, SEM/EDS with Jeol JSM-6400 (University of Oulu) and Cameca SX-50microprobe with TURBO-SCAN programme (Geological Survey of Finland).

It was found that the metallurgical-type chromite ores of Akanvaara contain a rangeof PGM. The mineralogy, mineral chemistry and mineral assemblages of PGM indi-cate primary platinum-group elements (PGE: Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir, Pt) fractionation and


late-stage PGE redistribution within the deposit and, possibly, the extent of PGEmineralization outside the intrusive body. The investigations of chromite concen-trates have shown that the amount of PGM in the concentrates is less than in oresamples. Detailed study of reduced chromite pellets have led to a conclusion thatthe PGM may have been oxidized during sintering process.

Pictures 2a and 2b. The platinum-group minerals in chromite from the Akanvaaradeposit.

Selected results of the project together with data on reduction behaviour of theores obtained earlier have been presented at the international conference AppliedMineralogy’03.

Picture 2a. Crystal of RuS2. Scale bar 10 um.

Picture 2b. Two-phase grain of Pt3Fe (white) and Rh

2S

3 (grey). Scale bar 6 um.


3.1.4 Control of BF Hearth and Tuyere Level Operation andExtension of Hearth Duration

Project Manager: Olli Mattila (chemical reactions in the hearth)Researcher: Hanski Määttä (wear of lining material)

Project started on 1st of January 1999 and ended on 30th of April 2002. The goal ofthe project was to control the blast furnace hearth and to increase the life time ofthe hearth. Additional goals were to develop new models to control the blast fur-nace tuyere level, to estimate the wear of blast furnace and to predict the hearth-coke voidage and to develop an expert system of blast furnace tapping strategy.

Three complementary laboratories were involved in the project, due to the com-plicity of the process and the challenging nature of measurements and control engi-neering involved. The competence areas of these three laboratories were automa-tion and modelling (Control Engineering, University of Oulu), heat engineering andmodelling (Heat Engineering, Åbo Akademi) and chemical metallurgy (Process Met-allurgy, University of Oulu).

In the project, phenomena in the lower region of a blast furnace were investigatedwith thermodynamical calculation and pressure-furnace experiments. Melt flows ona blast furnace hearth had been investigated with physical modeling and in the casesof floating and sitting deadman the results were compared with the numerical mod-el made at Åbo Akademi. Taking into account the flows on a blast furnace hearth, thewear of lining material and shielding of the blast furnace were investigated by usingthermodynamic calculations and chemical stress experiments.

It was found that in the case of floating deadman the iron melt flows completely inthe coke bed only through the V-shaped area. In case of sitting deadman iron meltflows completely through the coke bed. The wear tendency of hearth lining materi-als increase in the order of carbon-brick, semigraphite and graphite and the wearrate of lining material is affected mostly by carbon content of metal phase -siliconand manganese content have only a little influence. In the pressure furnace experi-ments it was found that through the interfacial turbulence high FeO-content of slagpromotes sulphur transfer from metal to slag but decreases the thermodynamicequilibrium value of maximum sulphur transfer with carbon unsaturated and pressu-rised conditions. Metal carbon content has significant influence on sulphur transfer,which was expected also from the thermodynamic point of view.


3.1.5 CokeCoke: The Behaviour and Properties of Coke in a Blast Furnace and in aCupola FurnaceProject Manager: Olli MattilaResearcher: Stanislav GornostayevResearch Assistant: Tommi Kokkonen

The project started on 1st of May 2002 and will end on 30th of April 2005. The maintarget of this project is to increase coke production and improvement of cost-effectiveness of coke production and decrease the reducing agent (coke, oil)consumption in BF. Additional targets are to increase knowledge in Finland and inNorthern countries in the field of coke structures and the behaviour of coke in BFand to develop methods to analyse coke behaviour straight from the process data.Laboratory of process metallurgy will study the structural changes of coke and themain factors causing those changes as the coke moves downwards in the BF proc-ess. An additional task is to study the behaviour of coke in contact with slag andmetal e.g. how the mineral particles revealed to the surface of coke will be detachedas slag. The project is divided into two parts. In the first part the behaviour of coke isstudied in the conditions simulating BF conditions. The second part of this projectwill focus on coke-slag and coke-metal interaction. Two laboratories and two indus-trial partners are involved in the project: Laboratory of Process Metallurgy, Labora-tory of Heat Engineering and Rautaruukki Oyj, Paroc Group Oyj respectively. Cokeresearch in Sweden is monitored through Jernkontoret’s meetings.


3.1.6 OPTIDUST IIOPTIDUST II - environmentally friendly utilization of dusts, sludge, scrapsand skulls of Raahe and Koverhar steel plants in hot metal productionProject Manager: Hannu MakkonenResearchers: Hannu Makkonen, Eetu-Pekka Heikkinen and Sirpa Kokko

The project started on 1st of January 2002 and will be concluded on 31st of Decem-ber 2004. OPTIDUST was a preliminary project, in which Rautaruukki Group’s andSKJ companies recycling questions and aims were analyzed in order to establish a 3-year industrial project. Sufficient results were obtained to continue with the secondphase of the project now named as OPTIDUST II.

The target is to evaluate and choose the most feasible and ecological recycling andutilization technique for Fundia Koverhar’s and Rautaruukki Steel’s problematic andunexploitable dusts, sludge, skulls, scrap fines and scales. The information obtainedwill be used as a basis for an industrial designing and selection project to increaseRautaruukki’s hot metal production.

Picture 3. Optidust II logo.


The project will use reduction trials of laboratory scale for the waste materials toassess the efficiency of certain recycling techniques in e.g. Zn removal. The productsof the reduction tests will be analyzed chemically, physically and mineralogically inorder to evaluate if the products can be utilized in iron production.

Thermodynamic calculations complement the evaluation of different recycling meth-ods. The harmful components (Zn, Pb, Na, K, Sn, Cd, As) are emphasized in thecalculations.

Furthermore, the project will collect data about cupola furnaces and rotary hearthfurnaces, which are used for waste recycling.

Partners in the project are National Technology Agency of Finland, Rautaruukki Group,SKJ Companies and Technical Research Centre of Finland.

3.2 REFINING METALLURGY

3.2.1 CONVERTOCONVERTO: Computational and Physical Modelling and Development ofControl Systems for Converter ProcessProject Manager: Matti LuomalaResearch Assistants: Marko Petäjäjärvi, Antti Kaijalainen and Jani Mäenpää

CONVERTO was a 3-year project funded by the National Technology Agency andthe Finnish Steel Industry. It started on 1st of August 1999 and ended on 31st of July2002. Participating organisations were the Laboratory of Metallurgy from HelsinkiUniversity of Technology and the Laboratory of Process Metallurgy and ControlEngineering Laboratory from the University of Oulu.

The first goal of this study was to clarify the interaction of the lance jet cavity withthe bottom blowing plume and the sidewall blowing jet. Furthermore, the influenceof the shape of lance cavity on the direction of splashes was determined. The re-search was carried out by using a so called simplified physical water model. Accord-ing to the model tests, there existed three basic axioms in the interaction of thecavity with the bottom plume and sidewall jet. Firstly, when the bottom tuyere waslocated exactly underneath the lance jet, the shape of the cavity became lower thanwithout bottom blowing. This turned the direction of splashes to lower trajectories.The analogous behaviour was found with sidewall blowing. Secondly, the total amountof splashing was constant and the ‘splashing nose’ was generated on the wall above


the bottom plume. Thirdly, both the plume and sidewall jet formed the protectedzone beyond it. The larger the overlap of cavity and sidewall jet the larger the pro-tected zone until the plume is exactly underneath the cavity. The model experimentsshowed clearly that the combination of bottom tuyeres and interaction of cavitiesand plumes have a very important role in splash generation in real converters. It ispossible to decrease the wear of refractory lining at the trunnion area by optimizingthe bottom and sidewall tuyere combination.

Secondly, the effect of lance height, lance nozzle angle, lance position, top gas flowrate, bottom blowing and foamy slag on splashing and spitting behaviour in LD-KG-converter was investigated. A new cold model method for investigating the effectsof the above-mentioned parameters on the location and quantity of liquid splashedon the walls of the model was utilised. According to the model tests, reduction ofthe nozzle angle increased the total amount of splashing and spitting considerably.Consequently, reduced productivity due to an increase in metal losses, skulling of thecone and converter mouth and further increased time for skull removal is expected.Introduction of bottom blowing increased splashing significantly on lower parts ofthe vessel. Lance position has an effect on total amount of splashing when bottomblowing is used. The presence of even minor foam layer on water surface reducedthe amount of total splashing significantly.

Thirdly, the effect of bottom nozzle arrangement and lance height on splashing andspitting in a combined blown converter were determined. According to the modeltests, total splashing on the converter walls increased with the function of a numberof bottom nozzles, both during the initial and final period of blowing. The nozzlesarranged at the centre of the vessel increased metal losses and skulling of the con-verter cone especially at low lance heights. Using high lance gap and several bottomnozzles accelerated wear of the refractory, especially at the knuckle and charge padareas.

Finally, splashing and spitting behaviour, mixing efficiency and bath oscillation wasstudied with three different bottom nozzle configurations. Due to the different na-ture of the required measurements, two separate water models were utilised. Bothmodels had the same geometry and dimensions (scaled down to 1:7).


3.2.2 TASKTASK: Effective Blowing Practice for AOD-ConverterProject Manager: Timo FabritiusResearchers: Petri Mure, Esa Virtanen and Petri Kurkinen (from the beginningof November)

The aim for the project TASK is to develop techniques to achieve as efficient blowingpractice as possible for the large scale 150-ton AOD-converter. The project began inthe middle of the year 2001 and continued through to the year 2002.

The implementation of an efficient blowing practice in the AOD needs that a largeamount of gases can be blown into the steel melt in an intense but also controlledway. To achieve this, the facts having an effect on gas blowing and on its behaviour onsteel melt has to be carefully scrutinized. Without this knowledge, there may be-come serious technical or economical problems for the user of an AOD-converter.Of course some basic principles can be applied also to the BOF-process.

One important phenomenon for the usability of the vessel is an oscillation of themelt bath. Oscillation does not have a direct effect on the efficiency of process butenough strong oscillations may have a destructive effect on constructions of theAOD.

From the economical point of view, the effective mass transfer between gas- andliquid phases is required to achieve both quick and efficient performance of theprocess. By using adequate gas blowing an efficient mix can be achieved in the melt-phase when it is needed. Also the mass transfer from gas to melt can be controlledby proper blowing practice.

Picture 4. Modelling of flows in the melt bath by using physical model tests.


During the year 2002 principles for the mass transfer between phases, theory of theoscillation of the melt bath and mixing properties of the melt were announced. Theknowledge of these phenomena was to be deepened by process tests in the begin-ning of the year 2003. So far, the results have been promising and shown to be ingood accordance with hypothesis made in the year 2002.

The research was made by using knowledge based on literature, tests made with thewatermodel of the AOD and combining all this information with previous resultsand experiences.

3.2.3 AHAAHA: Controlling of Atmosphere in the AOD-converterProject Manager: Timo FabritiusResearchers: Yong Tang and Esa VirtanenResearch Assistants: Virpi Leinonen, Toni Kyllönen, Jani Aho and TopiIkäheimonen

The purposes of the project are to minimise the dissolution of nitrogen into thesteel melt in the AOD-converter and to optimise the present “nitrogen model” ofAOD to be less argon consumptive. This is possible to achieve by better control ofatmosphere during decarburisation and slag reduction periods.

The effects of circumstances on dissolution of nitrogen into steel melt and desorp-tion from the melt will be established by thermodynamic equilibrium calculations.Temperature and the composition of steel melt (content of C, Fe, Cr, Mn and Si) andthe gas phase change during processing. The effects of vessel geometry (vessel height,vessel diameter, cone diameter and cone angle) and gas flow rate in the upper partof the converter on dissolution of nitrogen from the atmosphere will be studied byCFD-model (Fluent).

The financiers of the project are TEKES (National Technology Agency of Finland) andAvestaPolarit Stainless Oy. The duration time of the project is two years and theresearch started at the beginning of February 2002.


3.2.4 Inclusion ControlInclusion Control: Inclusion Engineering for Better QualityProject Manager: Helena ErkkiläResearcher: Eetu-Pekka HeikkinenPartners: Rautaruukki, Fundia Wire, HUT, VTT, AvestaPolarit Stainless, ImatraSteel.Funding: TEKES, industry

Inclusion control started on 1st of January 2002 and it will last until 31st of December2003. The project is a follow-up to Oxide metallurgy (1998-2001) and TEVITE(1999-2001) projects. The main objective of the project is to develop and to applythermodynamic equilibrium calculations to predicting and controlling the inclusioncomposition of steel, during ladle treatment and continuous casting. Multi-compo-nent equilibrium thermodynamics are linked with reaction kinetics.

Picture 5. Nitrogen distribution in the upper part of AOD and the hood with low argon flow rate fromsidewall tuyeres.


3.2.5 INGROSINGROS: Inclusion Engineering and Grain Size Control of SteelsProject Manager: Helena ErkkiläPartners: Elkem, ASA, Norway; SINTEF Materialteknologi, Norway; NTNU,Norway; Ovako Steel AB, Sweden; AB Sandvik Steel, Sweden; KTH, Sweden;Rautaruukki Oyj, Finland; Fundia Wire Oy Ab, Finland; HUT, Finland.Funding: Nordisk Industrifond

The project started on 1st of January 2001 an will end on 31st of December 2003.The main idea behind this project is to establish the required basis for a formalcollaboration between the Norwegian Ferroalloy industry and the steel industry inSweden and Finland. This will be accomplished by initiating an innovation project oninclusion engineering and grain size control of steel along with a network project topromote the education and training of students and researchers with a multidiscipli-nary background within the field. Both projects build on the existing national pro-grammes on ferroalloy and steel oriented research. Together the three Nordic coun-tries Norway, Sweden and Finland provide a unique cluster of ferroalloy and steelmanufacturing industry, end-users, research facilities and educational programmers,and this is also reflected in the project plans.


3.2.6 TTJVTTJV: Mould Powders for High Casting SpeedsProject Manager: Kimmo KallioResearchers: Marko Petäjäjärvi and Pasi Aspegren

TTJV is a 3-year project which started on 1st of March 2001 an will end on 30th ofApril 2004 and is funded by Rautaruukki Oyj, AvestaPolarit Stainless Oy and TEKES(National Technology Agency of Finland). The aim of the project is to obtain betterknowledge about mould powders and to achieve higher casting speeds and flawlesssurface quality in the steel industry.

With higher casting speeds, cleaner and better surface quality steels need to beproduced. The steel output can be increased with higher casting speeds, but at thesame time the surface quality is reduced. Higher casting speed and better surfacequality can be achieved by optimization of the mould powder composition.

The most important properties of mould powders are considered with differentlaboratory scale devices: high temperature viscosimeter, DTA-TGA, optical dilatom-eter, hot stage microscope, XRD, XRF etc. In addition, plenty of industrial scale mouldpowder experiments, data collecting and analyses, are included. On the basis of theobtained results a better mould powder composition will be developed, at first forperitectic steel grade.

Picture 6. From the top of themould the mould powderforms a powder layer, then asintered layer, a mushy layer, acarbon rich layer and eventuallya pool of liquid slag. Betweenthe steel shell and the mouldthe mould powder forms aliquid lubrication film layer anda solid layer, which consists ofglassy and crystalline layers.(Sridhar 2000)


3.2.7 MMXProject Manager: Mikko AngermanResearchers: Markus Harju, Paul Fedory, Jukka Sippola, Samuli Pöyhtäri andKristian Rantapirkola

Project “Iron & Steel MMX” was financed by Finnish steelmaker Rautaruukki Groupand National Technology Agency of Finland, TEKES. The project is part of the nationaltechnology programme “Frontiers in Metallurgy” conducted during the years 1999-2003. The MMX-project began in 03/1999 and finished in 02/2003.

MMX – project’s objectives were to create a systematic method to compare proc-ess route alternatives for integrated iron and steelmaking. The method was to takeinto account metallurgical, technical, economical and sustainable development fac-tors.

For utilizing the method a novel simulation tool, Factory as a working title, wasprepared. Software production process proved successful and it resulted in a toolwith some distinguishingly flexible features.

Even though the MMX-project has ended, the development around Factory soft-ware is likely to be continued. For more update information please refer to Factorywebsite at: http://pyomet.oulu.fi/Factory.

Picture 7. Generalview of the Factorysimulation tool withproduction plant on(a) worksheet,(b) status windowfor viewing results,(c) Process editorwindow for viewingand editingequations andsoftware’s validationnotes in(d) error messageswindow.


4 RESEARCH DEVICES AND ANALYTICINSTRUMENTS

4.1 HIGH TEMPERATURE DEVICESThe simultaneous DTA - TGA

The model of the DTA-TGA device is TA- Instruments SDT 2960. It measures bothdifferential temperature and weight changes in a material as a function of tempera-ture and time in a controlled atmosphere. The furnaces maximum temperature is1500 ˚C, a maximum sample weight is 200 mg. The sensitivity of TGA is 0,1 mg andDTA sensitivity is 0,001 ˚C. The device was purchased in 1996.

4.1.1 TGAThe device measures weight changes in a material as a function of temperature andtime in a controlled atmosphere.

Flow Control- Brooks mass flow meter 5858S CO2 0 - 2 l /min accuracy ± 0.01 l /min

- Brooks mass flow meter 5858S CO 0 - 10 l /min accuracy ± 0.05 l /min

Picture 8. TGA


Balances- Mettler-toledo AG204, sensitivity 0,0001 g, max weight is 210 g. Purchased 1998.

- Denver TL 4102D, sensitivity is 0,01 g, max weight is 4100 g. Purchased 1999.

Furnaces- The SiC furnace’s maximum working temperature is 1500 ˚C. The inside diameterof the working tube is 30 mm. The other furnace is an Entech ETF 75-125 / 18-V,working tube inside diameter is 105 mm and it’s maximum working temperature is1800 °C. It was purchased in 2002.

4.1.2 High Temperature ViscosimeterThe device measures viscosities of slag and melts as a function of temperature andtime in a controlled atmosphere. The model of viscotester is Haake VT 550 and itwas purchased in 1996. The furnace is Carbolite PVT 18/75/350 and its maximumtemperature is 1750 ˚C. The furnace was purchased in 1999.

4.1.3 Finger Test DeviceThe measurement method is to rotate the refractory material piece “finger” with aconstant speed in a slag or metal and then measure the corrosion rate and analyzethe infiltration. The IKA eurostar power control visc is the adjustable rotator devicewhich speed can be altered between 15-2000 r/min. The furnace is Lenton CSC 17/90/250 and its maximum temperature is 1700 ˚C. The furnace was purchased in1997.

4.1.4 Optical DilatometerThe device indicates a materials dimension changes as a function of temperatureand time in a controlled atmosphere. With the device a sessile drop contact angleand all the parameters for surface tension calculations can be determined. The tailor-made programme Dakota calculates automatically the sample area and all the otherparameters.

CamerasB&W Camera is an AD C660 1/3" ccd 768*494 pixels, the lens is Dyotar DY135.The true maximum resolution is 0.025 mm horizontal and 0.029 mm vertical.

The colour Camera is a Canon DM-MV1 digital video camera 1/3" ccd with 420 000pixels. The cameras resolution is much less than the AD camera because of thedigital zoom.


FurnacesThe SiC furnace’s maximum working temperature is 1550 ˚C. The inside diameterof the working tube is 30 mm. A sample is made from powder, then pressed intothe cylinder, 4mm in diameter and the sample plate is usually sawn into 4 mm thick10 mm * 10 mm squares.

Another optical dilatometer for bigger samples (10 mm in diameter) has a NaberSupertherm HT08/18 furnace with a maximum working temperature of 1750 ˚C.

4.1.5 Gradient FurnaceThe device is Entech ETF 75/17V. It is a double chamber tube furnace, which tubesare 200 mm in height. The maximum temperature of the furnace is 1750 ˚C. Thetubes inside diameter is 200 mm or 75 mm. The purpose of the furnace is to meas-ure material properties in a constantly controlled temperature gradient. It was pur-chased in 2000.

4.1.6 Pressure FurnaceThe maximum pressure of the furnace is 10 bar and the temperature 1500 ˚C. Theinner pipe diameter is 90 mm. The furnace was purchased in 2000.

4.1.7 Alkali TestThe tester measures alkali effects on minerals. The inner diameter of the steel tubeis 90 mm and the maximum temperature is 1150 ˚C. It was purchased in 2000.


4.2 OTHER DEVICES

4.2.1 WatermodelsThe models visualize phenomenon taking place inside a converter / ladle, like steel /slag flow during a blowing session and wear and tear of refractory materials. Themodels are scaled down to 1:7. The watermodels were purchased between 1997-2001.

4.2.2 Coulter Omnisorp 360 cxThe gas sorption analyzer measures a surface area of a sample and determinates thepore size distribution. The Omnisorp is a continuous volumetric method, used todetermine the adsorption and desorption isotherms. The pore size distribution peakscan be separated in a scale as little as 2 Ångström. The pore size distribution range isfrom 3 to 2000 Ångströms. The surface area value down to 3m2/gm resolution isbetter than 2 %. The device was purchased in 1997 in co-operation with the otherlaboratories.

4.2.3 Computational Fluid Dynamics SoftwareThe Phoenics software is for gas and liquid flow modelling. The Femlab software onMatlab is for simple modelling tasks and the Fluent software is for more complicatedmodelling within a project.

4.2.4 Thermodynamic Calculation ProgrammesHSC, Chemsage, Fact Sage programmes are for thermodynamic equilibrium calcula-tions.

4.2.5 Gas ChromatographThe device is Agilent 6890 plus a thermal conductivity detector. The carrier gas ishelium. The device was purchased in 2001.

4.2.6 MicroscopesOlympus polarizing microscope BX51P and Olympus research stereomicroscopeSZX9 with DP-12 camera and DP-software. The microscopes were purchased in2001.


4.2.7 Materialographic Surface Preparation of SolidMaterials

The device is for preparing materialographic samples for microscopic examination.We use diamond cutting and cold mounting. The Struers Epovac vacuum impregna-tion equipment is used for mounting and impregnation of porous specimens and forgluing specimens for thin sections to glass slides. Grinding and polishing is done withStruers LaboForce-1 at speed of 8 rpm and LabPol-1 - single speed machine, 250rpm with MD or SiC consumables. The ready samples go through ultrasonic cleaningbefore inspection and use. The device was purchased in 2002.

Picture 9. Struers LaboForce-1 and LabPol-1 grinding and polishing machine.


4.3 OTHER AVAILABLE FACILITIES

Within the University of Oulu:Institution of Electron Optics (EOL):The EOL facilities are based on the use of seven instruments: Energy Filtered Trans-mission Electron Microscope EFTEM, Scanning Electron Microscope SEM, Field Emis-sion Scanning Electron Microscope FESEM, Scanning Transmission Electron Micro-scope STEM, Electron Probe Microanalyzer EPMA, X-Ray Diffractometer XRD andX-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer XRF. They provide three basic kinds of informa-tion: images, chemical analyses and crystal structures.

Trace Element Laboratory:Plasma atomic emission spectrometry (DCP-AES, ICP-AES) and plasma mass spec-trometry (ICP-MS). This equipment provides chemical analyses of difficult samples.

At Rautaruukki Steel in Raahe:There is for example XRF, XRD, OES and SEM.

At AvestaPolarit in Tornio Works:There is for example XRF, OES and SEM.


5 PUBLICATIONS 20025.1 PAPERSFabritius, T., Mure, P., Virtanen, E., Hannula, P., Luomala, M. & Härkki, J.:Splashing mechanism in combined blowing. Ironmaking and Steelmaking 29(2002)1,s. 29-35.

Luomala, M., Virtanen, E., Mure, P., Siivola, T., Fabritius, T., Härkki, J.:A Novel Approach in the Estimation of Splashing in the BOF. Steel Research 73(2002)1,s. 9-14.

Luomala, M.J., Fabritius, TM.J., Virtanen, E.O., Siivola, T.P. & Härkki, J.J.:Splashing and Spitting Behaviour in the Combined Blown Steelmaking Converter. ISIJInternational 42(2002)9, s. 944-949.

Luomala, M.J., Fabritius, TM.J., Virtanen, E.O., Siivola, T.P., Fabritius, T.L.J.,Tenkku, H. & Härkki, J.J.:Physical Model Study of Selective Slag Splashing in the BOF. ISIJ International42(2002)11, s. 1219-1224.

Makkonen, H., Heino, J., Laitila, L., Hiltunen, A., Pöyliö, E. & Härkki, J.:Optimisation of Steel Plant Recycling in Finland: dusts, scales and sludge. Resources,Conservation and Recycling 35(2002), s. 77-84.

Mattila, R., Vatanen, J. & Härkki, J.:Chemical Wearing Mechanism of Refractory Materials in a Steel Ladle Slag Line.Scandinavian Journal of Metallurgy 31(2002), s, 1-5.

Mäki, A., Österman, P. & Luomala, M.:Numerical Study of the Pusher-Type Slab Reheating Furnace. Scandinavian Journal ofMetallurgy 31(2002)2, s. 81-87.

Tang, Y., Laine, J., Fabritius, T. & Härkki, J.:Simulation of Pusher-Type Steel Slab Reheating Furnace by PHOENICS, Computa-tional Fluid Dynamics and its Applications, 14 (2002) 2.


Tanskanen, P. A., Huttunen, S. M., Mannila, P. H. & Härkki, J. J.:Experimental Simulations of Primary Slag Formation in Blast Furnace. Ironmakingand Steelmaking 29(2002)4, s. 281-286.

Fabritius, T. M. J., Luomala, M. J., Virtanen, E. O., Tenkku, H., Fabritius, T. L. J.,Siivola, T. P. & Härkki, J.:Effect of Bottom Nozzle Arrangement on Splashing and Spitting in Combined Blow-ing Converter. ISIJ international 42(2002)8, s. 861-867

5.2 CONFERENCES AND SYMPOSIUMSHeikkinen, E-P., Kokkonen, T., Mattila, R. & Härkki, J.:An experimental study on steel’s reoxidation rate caused by SiO2-, MgO-Cr2O3-and MgO-C –refractories. Clean Steel 6, Sixth International Conference on CleanSteel, Balatonfüred, Hungary, 10-12 June 2002, OMBKE, IOM, IISI, ESIC. S. 87-96.

Heikkinen, E-P. Mattila, R., Kokkonen, T. & Härkki, J.:The chemical wear of the sen-slagline in the continuous casting of stainless steel. 85th

Steelmaking Conference. Nashville, Tennessee, USA, 10-13.3.2002. Iron & Steel Soci-ety. S. 419-428.

Pöyliö, E., Makkonen, H., Laitila, L., Heino, J., Hiltunen, A. & Härkki, J.:Optimal Recycling of the Iron Ore Based Steelmaking Dusts, Scales and Sludge. In:Björkman, B., Samuelsson, C., Wikström, J.-O. (ed.) Recycling and Waste Treatment inMineral and Metal Processing: Technical and Economic Aspects. TMS Fall 2002 Ex-traction and Processing Division Meeting, Luleå, Sweden, 16-20 June 2002. Luleå,Sweden, Luleå University of Technology. Vol. 2, 129-137.

Tang, Y., Wang, J., Cang, D. & Härkki, J.:A New Method of Improving Continuous Casting Structure - The Electric PulseTreatment. 4th European Continuous Casting Conference, Birmingham, UK, 14-16October 2002.

Angerman, M., Harju, M. & Fedory, P.:A User-friendly Tool for Large-scale Entity Simulation in the Process Industry. SIMS2002, the 43rd Conference on Simulation and Modelling, Oulu, 26-27 September2002. 6 s.


5.3 REPORTSHeikkinen, E-P & Fabritius T.:CRK- ja LD-KG –konvertterien loppukuonien jähmettymiskäyttäytyminen – lasken-nallinen tarkastelu. Oulun yliopisto, prosessi- ja ympäristötekniikan osasto. Report275. Oulu 2002. 20 s.

Hurme, R., Kokkonen, T & Heikkinen, E-P.:MgO-C –tiilen aiheuttama C-pickup Al-tiivistettyyn teräkseen – kokeellinen tarkastelu.Oulun yliopisto, prosessi- ja ympäristötekniikan osasto. Report 276. Oulu 2002. 35 s.

Heikkinen, E-P, Kokkonen, T. & Mattila R.:Terässenkan kuonarajan kemiallinen kuluminen – kokeellinen tarkastelu. Oulun yli-opisto, prosessi- ja ympäristötekniikan osasto. Report 277. Oulu 2002. 51 s.

Erkkilä, H.:Sulkeumat titaanitiivistetyssä teräksessä – laskennallinen tarkastelu. Oulun yliopisto,prosessi- ja ympäristötekniikan osasto. Report 278. Oulu 2002. 49 s.

Määttä, H. & Mattila, O.:Masuunin pesän kemiallinen kuluminen: kokeellinen reaktiotarkastelu. Oulun yliopis-to, prosessi- ja ympäristötekniikan osasto. Report 279. Oulu 2002. 73 s.

Fabritius, T., Heikkinen, E-P., Roininen, J. & Härkki, J.:CRK-konvertterin tulenkestävän suojaus loppukuonaa modifioimalla – kokeellinentarkastelu. Oulun yliopisto, prosessi- ja ympäristötekniikan osasto. Report 280. Oulu2002. 47 s.

Vähäoja, P.:N-pickup ruostumattomiin teräksiin ja typen liukeneminen terässulaan. Oulun yli-opisto, prosessi- ja ympäristötekniikan osasto. Report 282. Oulu 2002. 56 s.

Petäjäjärvi, M., Kallio, K., Aspergren, P. & Härkki, J.:Valupulverien viskositeetin mittaus. Oulun yliopisto, prosessi- ja ympäristötekniikanosasto. Report 283. Oulu 2002. 51 s.


Erkkilä, H.:Sulkeumat kalsiumkäsitellyssä ruostumattomassa teräksessä – kokeellinen tarkastelu.Oulun yliopisto, prosessi- ja ympäristötekniikan osasto. Report 284. Oulu 2002. 57 s.

Heikkinen, E-P.:Valuputken tukkeutuminen terästen jatkuvavalussa: syitä ja seurauksia. Kirjallisuusselv-itys. Oulun yliopisto, prosessi- ja ympäristötekniikan osasto. Report 285. Oulu 2002.82 s.

5.4 ANNUALS AND FINAL REPORTSHeikkinen, Kaisa (ed.):University of Oulu. Laboratory of Process Metallurgy, Department of Process andEnvironmental Engineering. Annual report 2001. Oulu 2002, University of Oulu. 58 s.

Hämäläinen, M., Erkkilä, H., Liukkonen, M., Lind, M., Härkki, J. &Holappa, J.:Oksidimetallurgia-projekti. Espoo 2002, Teknillisen korkeakoulun materiaalitekniikanja metallurgian julkaisuja, TKK-MK-131.


6 THESIS6.1 LICENCIATE IN TECHNOLOGY THESESHeikkinen, Eetu-Pekka Phenomena at refractory-steel-interfaces in the

steel-ladles

Luomala, Matti Development and application of physical modelsfor investigating three different ironmaking andsteelmaking unit operations

6.2 DIPLOMA ENGINEER THESES(MASTER OF SCIENCE IN TECHNOLOGY)

Franssila, Laura The reduction behaviour of Lapland chromite

Siivola, Tero The formation of scale in the slab reheatingfurnaces

Karekivi, Pasi Chromium losses in slag in ferrochrome process

Karhulahti, Timo Chemical, mineralogical and metallurgicalproperties of Rautaruukki sinter for different sizefractions

Hurme, Rauno Start-up of converters slag splashing equipment

Olenius, Elina The production and characterization of oxidelayers as catalyst for the oxygen evolutionreaction

Halmeenpää, Riina H2 –reduction of CuCl-solutions and Cu2O– suspensions in the autoclave

Sola, Petri Slag handling in electric arc furnace

Mure, Petri The effect of sidewall blowing on melt flows,mixing and oscillation of melt bath in a 150 tonAOD-converter


7 CONFERENCE VISITSJouko Härkki:

- Sixth International Conference Clean Steel, Balatonfüred, Unkari. 10-12.6.2002

- Recycling and Waste Treatment in Mineral Processing: Technical andEconomic Aspects, Luleå, Ruotsi. 16-20.6.2002

- Mills Symposium, Metals, Slags, Glasses: High Temperature Properties &Phenomena, London UK. 22-23.8.2002

- Nordic-Chinese Ironmaking Symposium, Luleå, Ruotsi. 3-4.9.2002

Eetu-Pekka Heikkinen:- 85th Steelmaking and 61st Ironmaking Conference. Nashville, Tennessee,

USA. 10-13.3.2002

- 6th International Conference on Clean Steel. Balatonfüred, Hungary. 10-12.6.2002.

Matti Luomala:- 85th Steelmaking and 61st Ironmaking Conferences, Nashville, USA. 8.3-

15.3.2002

Yong Tang:- Ninth International Phoenics User Conference, Moscow, Russia. 23-

29.9.2002

- 4th European Continuous Casting Conference, Birmingham, UK. 14-16.10.2002

Pekka Tanskanen:- Nordic-Chinese Ironmaking Symposium, Luleå, Ruotsi. 3-4.9.2002


8 LABORATORY FREE-TIME ACTIVITIESIt has become a tradition for the laboratory to participate in the annual Oulu TarSkiing Race. The year 2002 was the third time that the laboratory had their ownteam. The team included seven men and one brave woman. Skiing distances were 40and 70 kilometers with traditional and freestyle skiing styles.

Team members:Hanski Määttä Petri MureSauli Kallio Pasi AspegrenKimmo Kallio Pasi KarekiviEsa Virtanen Rita Hiltunen


Another major event during the year was the annual Terästurnaus that was arrangedfor the first time. Terästurnaus is a floorball tournament between Rautatuukki SteelOy, AvestaPolarit Oyj and our laboratory. The winner of the first tournament wasRautaruukki and the laboratory came second after tight battle with both teams.Rautaruukki won the challenge trophy for a year but the laboratory plans to win itback next year. The players of our team were: Sauli Kallio, Marko Petäjäjärvi, KimmoKallio, Tero Siivola, Pasi Aspegren, Pasi Suikkanen, Jani Mäenpää, Timo Paananen, AnttiKaijalainen and Jani Isokääntä. Esa Virtanen was the referee and Rita Hiltunen actedas the tournament manager.

Picture 11. The Terästurnaus challenge trophy.


9 CONTACT INFORMATION

Address:UNIVERSITY OF OULU

Department of Process and Environmental EngineeringLaboratory of Process Metallurgy

P.O. Box 4300FIN-90014 UNIVERSITY OF OULU

FINLANDFax: +358 8 553 2339

Email:[email protected]. [email protected]

Internet:http://pyomet.oulu.fi

Contact Persons:

Professor Mr. Jouko Hä[email protected] +358 8 553 2424

Research Manager Mr. Timo [email protected] +358 8 553 2421

Laboratory Manager Mr. Riku [email protected]

tel +358 8 553 2425

Project Secretary Ms. Berith [email protected] +358 8 553 2553


Map of the University of Oulu


NOTES

DEPARTMENT OF PROCESS AND ENVIRONMENTAL … · HUT/TKK Helsinki University of Technology ISIJ Iron...

Documents

Transcript of DEPARTMENT OF PROCESS AND ENVIRONMENTAL … · HUT/TKK Helsinki University of Technology ISIJ Iron...