Nowadays the overall energy demand in downstream steel production is mainly based on fossil fuel. The project ModHEAtech focuses on the decarbonization of the ROLLING MILL plant, based on the introduction of hybrid heating technology, based on electrification and gas-burning properly combined. Currently, the state-of-art of reheating furnaces is based on CH4 burners, with an evident environmental impact on CO2 emissions.
Objectives
- Integration of induction furnace module at rolling mill for billets production
- Prove the advantages of applying induction technology in term of metallurgical impact and savings
- Realization of alternative heating technology in billets heating
- Virtual study on implementation of low-C based technology in downstream proces
- Ensuring the exploitation and visibility of the project, through elaboration of business plan and stakeholder management
Methodology
Route 1
Installation and industrial tests of 2 MW inductor for heating of billets at ORIMARTIN rolling mills
in combination with gas burning (hybrid solution).
Analysis of metallurgical impacts of the heating technology.
Analysis of how integrate and manage the induction system with green energy produced by photovoltaics.
Route 2
Developing, realizing and testing a unique electrical heating method for billets before rolling, based on Joule-effect, and enhancing energy transfer while cutting electrical consumption and CO2 emissions. Activities include designing, simulating, and engineering a pilot release, as well as conducting trials to demonstrate efficiency. Evaluation will assess industrial-scale application and benefits, including potential enhancements to steel production.
Route 3
Virtual study to analyze the impact of introduction of Hydrogen Burners and Induction Heating for billets in Rolling Mills in Sidenor. Optimization of Rolling Mills Layout and definition of Maintenance strategy and costs, related to new technologies (H2 burner and inductions heating). Definition of the best accelerated tests to monitor the renewable technology.
Expected Result
Induction Heating
- -20% of CO2 emissions;
- +15% of productivity;
- 50% of energy from renewable source.
Alternative Heating Technology
- To prove the feasibility of the technology in a wide range of application
- +80% of energy efficiency uniformity of thermal profile
Virtual Study
Roadmap of technical intervention (including maintenance and inspection strategy) to speed up the decarbonization of rolling mill process.