The blow-in of CSN blast furnace n°3 in 2006 is reported with a focuson a large solidified salamander that had to be tapped. Analyticaland finite element models have been created to predict the expansionphenomena. The predicted values are compared with the hearth shellstress and strain measurements executed during the blow-in.


ArcelorMittal Monlevade is an integrated plant with sinter plant,blast furnace, BOF, ladle furnace, continuous caster, and rolling mill,with a capacity of 1.2 million tpy. During the last years, Monlevadehas been raising the ladle free open index through refractory qualityimprovement and standardization of operational parameters. The mainactions were changing of the geometry of ladle well block and nozzle,use of two-layer sand, and control of sand residence time before BOFtapping. Based on these facts, the ladle free open index has increasedfrom 98.5 to 99.8% from 2002 to 2006.

Understanding thermal transfer mechanisms in BOF converter is akey for higher energy efficiency, involving higher production capacityand lower CO2 emissions through low hot metal ratio capability.The developed model achieves a coupled description of the majorphenomena: refining reactions, mass transfers between phases, scrapmelting, post-combustion, slag formation. The calculated exhaustfumes enthalpy is fitting well the measured thermal balance trials withindustrial converter when implementing a detailed description of thepost-combustion. This model, compatible with real-time use, is also avaluable tool for further improvement in dynamic control of the process.

The major objective of this research is to develop a 3-D FEM simulationtechnique in order to analyze the deformation behavior of surfacedefects on hot rolling. The developed technique will be applied toquantify the relationship between rolling condition and the processparameters, and the rolling pattern will be tested to verify and validatethe simulation technique. This technique will allow us to quantify theshrinkage of slab width at the head and tail, width spread after thehorizontal rolling, dog-bone shape, position change of the slab corneras the slab is being rolled, strain distributions. And the shape changeof surface defects in hot rolling was investigated using the 3-D rollingsimulation technique. The proposed prediction method of surfacedefect can be utilized to make defect free products in rolling.

The many heat treatments upon fabrication may deteriorate the tensileproperties of the tempered base material or to alter its weldability ortoughness. It is essential to take into consideration all heat treatmentseach zone is submitted to: base metal, heat affected zone, weld metalin order to optimize the global properties of the vessel. Major issues areillustrated by precise examples. An approach based on the equivalenttempering parameter is put forward.

Very little light gauge steel framing is used for dwellings in Europe.The main reasons are the lack of standards, common proceduresand the difficulties to design such structures with Eurocode 3 part1-3. ArcelorMittal has supported the development of a designtool for low-rise steel framed buildings. The objective is to increasethe light steel framing market thanks to a comprehensive and userfriendly design package. The tool is based on a clearly definedscope and includes conception rules, design method by graphs anda construction details library.

Duplex stainless steels present simultaneously very diversified technicalchallenges and very attractive in service properties along withexcellent cost/properties ratios particularly in very critical markets: oiland gas, chemical industry, pulp and paper industry, water systems,desalination plants, pollution control equipments, chemical tankers.This paper reviews the 100 scientific contributions at the latestinternational Duplex Stainless Steel Conference DSS'07 in Grado,Italy, June 18-20, 2007.