Digitized Refractory-Lining Monitoring in Steelmaking

This project will up-scale a technology for health monitoring of refractory lining in equipment such as ladles and furnaces and prepare for commercialization. The consortium includes a research institutes, end-users and a company that can take the technology to the market, both nationally and globally.

The solution is based on a fiber optic technology capable of monitoring the temperature of large areas and has been successfully tested in the industry.

Improved health monitoring of refractory lining is envisioned to have several positive impacts:  reduced waste of refractory lining material, energy savings (due to fewer heat-ups and better temperature control), improved safety and work conditions, and increased digitalization of the production. In addition, the product aims to benefit the end-users economically and make them more competitive.

The project will comprise technical development to reach TRL 7 and demonstrations in operational environments at two different plants. The goto-market-strategy will be improved and is an important part of preparing for product launch. The project includes a Life Cycle Assessment of the environmental benefit for the most relevant application.