How a Steel Mill Works - 1130 Words

How A Steel Mill Works The principal consumables employed in steel production are iron ore, coal, scrap metal and electrical energy. The importance of each of these consumables depends upon the technological processes adopted at each mill. In a classic integrated mill, coal and iron ore are the main consumables. In semi-integrated mills, scrap iron is the mainstay. An integrated mill comprises four basic operations – reduction, refining, solidification, and rolling – to convert iron ore into semi-finished or finished (rolled) steel products. †¢ Reduction The objective is to convert iron ore – naturally occurring in the form of ferrous oxide – into pig iron. In this operation, a coker converts coal into coke that is then†¦show more content†¦Among these are refractories, electrodes, and alloying elements. †¢ Refractories are materials that work as thermal isolators and are used to coat critical steel mill equipment such as blast furnaces, ladles, and converters. Their main function is to protect the equipment from extreme temperatures and to minimize wear and tear. †¢Electrodes constitute an important input in the operation of electric steel mills. †¢ Alloying elements Metals such as zinc, tin, chrome and aluminum are employed in steel alloy production. A steel mill uses industrial gases extensively. In addition to the jet of oxygen-fed converters in integrated mills, oxygen is frequently injected into blast furnaces and electric furnances to improve overall operating conditions. Given the volume of oxygen utilized, steel mills usually house one or more oxygen producing units. This used to be integrated vertically into the steelworks themselves. However, in recent years, initiatives have been widely employed to outsource this operation to specialized companies. There are also non-integrated manufacturers which operate via a single processing phase: reduction or rolling. In the first case are pig iron producers, the so-called ironers, that utilize coal in blast furnaces to make pig iron. In the second case are the re-rollers of plates and billets acquired from integrated orShow MoreRelatedStructural Steel And Sustainability Of Construction Materials1388 Words   |  6 PagesStructural Steel and Sustainability The sustainability of construction materials is a huge topic in today’s world of engineering. Finding a way to improve the efficiency, costs, and environmental impact of construction is a key discussion topic. When it comes to structural steel being used today, our society is pushing towards the use of â€Å"green† steel. This term is used to represent the life cycle of steel as well as the production of structural steel. While most construction materials differ significantlyRead MoreTrump’S Buy American And U.S. Steel Industry? . Shuang1506 Words   |  7 PagesTrump’s Buy American and U.S. Steel industry? 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