LiquiRob: Advanced Robotic Solution for Increased Plant Operation Safety

LiquiRob is a cutting-edge robotic solution designed to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in steel production. In steel plants, where operator safety is paramount, LiquiRob ensures that personnel remain clear of hazardous areas, significantly mitigating the risk of accidents. This advanced technology not only enhances safety but also boosts process quality and efficiency, making it an essential tool for steel industry professionals. LiquiRob is utilized in various applications across LD converter plants (also known as BOF), electric arc furnaces (EAF), ladle furnaces (LF), and vacuum degassers (VD). Its primary functions include temperature measurement, steel sampling, and optical inspections. When employed in continuous casting machines, LiquiRob can perform additional tasks such as handling casting powder, oxygen lancing, shroud manipulation, and slide gate cylinder handling.

By automating repetitive tasks and integrating seamlessly into existing automation systems, LiquiRob ensures endless repeatability and precision. This robotic solution is equipped with smart tools that provide high flexibility within limited working spaces, making it suitable for various melt shop environments. The robot-aided measurements and sampling processes ensure repeatability and maintain product quality. Robots always measure at the prescribed position and time, unlike manual measurements, which can lead to costly deviations.

Benefits of the LiquiRob Robotic Solution for Steel Plants

• Maximizes operator safety: LiquiRob keeps personnel out of hazardous areas, ensuring a safer working environment.
• Robust solution: designed for melt shop environments, LiquiRob is a reliable and low-maintenance solution.
• Smart tools: offers high flexibility within limited working spaces, making it adaptable to different production units.
• Endless repeatability: LiquiRob performs repetitive tasks with precision, eliminating human errors and increasing process quality.
• Future-proof: the system is designed to adapt to future process changes, ensuring long-term efficiency and safety.

The Lance Checker is an advanced system for testing and diagnosing lances to ensure accurate temperature measurements of liquid iron and steel. When integrated with LiquiRob, it automates a closed-loop test routine that verifies the entire measurement chain. By identifying inaccuracies, the Lance Checker significantly impacts process models and enhances final product quality.