RH Plants: The Vacuum Recirculation Process

Efficient Steel Production with RH Plants

RH plants from Primetals Technologies are ideal for integrated iron and steel works with large heat sizes. The RH process is conducted in a refractory-lined vessel equipped with two snorkels immersed in the steel bath. By reducing system pressure, the melt rises into the vacuum vessel where decarburization or degassing occurs. Lift gas injection into one snorkel initiates a circulation process, ensuring quick treatment of the entire heat. Snorkel immersion is achieved by either lowering the vacuum vessel or lifting the ladle. Remote-controlled plant operations are facilitated by camera systems, providing innovative operator guidance during process steps like immersion control.

Utilizing the latest technologies, such as dry mechanical vacuum pump systems, RH plants achieve the lowest carbon footprint. A quick-change vessel system minimizes vessel exchange time. Twin-station solutions enhance productivity by sharing one vacuum system between two treatment positions. RH plants can produce various steel grades, including ultra-low carbon steel, electric steel, enamel steel, structural steel, vessel and boiler steel, pipe steel, oil tank steel, ship steel, high-strength low alloy steel, and automotive steel. RH plants provided by Primetals Technologies are equipped to meet the demands of secondary metallurgy, supporting new production routes as the industry transitions to electrical steelmaking.

Benefits of RH Plants from Primetals Technologies

Efficient production of large steel quantities in a short time
Support of ultra-low carbon steel production
Innovative remote-controlled operations with camera systems
Environmentally friendly with dry mechanical vacuum pump systems
Quick-change vessel system for minimized downtime
Twin-station solutions for increased productivity
Versatile production capabilities for various steel grades

RH Plant snorkles after steel treatment

RH Plant ready for operation

RH Plant in operation

Twin type RH Plant

Digitalization

Automation & Digital Solutions

Automation

RH Optimizer

Boost steel quality and efficiency with the RH Optimizer. Reduce energy use, optimize materials, and enhance productivity with advanced process control.

Steelmaking Process Assistant

Boost steelmaking efficiency with the digital Steelmaking Process Assistant. Reduce errors, standardize processes, and enhance product quality.

Melt Expert

Optimize Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF) and Ladle Furnace (LF) operations and reduce energy costs, improve productivity, and ensure high-quality steel production.

Ladle Tracker

Boost efficiency with the Ladle Tracker. Track ladle location, manage thermal conditions, and optimize maintenance in real time for better steel production.

Monitor

Bag Break Monitor

Enhance plant efficiency with the Bag Break Monitor. Detect filter bag damage early, reduce emissions, and optimize maintenance processes for increased reliability and regulatory compliance.

Bag Cleaning Monitor

Enhance bag filter performance with 24/7 acoustic monitoring. Reduce downtime, save resources, and optimize maintenance in steel plants.

Ladle Position Monitor

Enhance steel production with automated ladle identification. Improve equipment utilization, reduce downtime, and ensure safety with advanced 3D and RFID technologies.

Digitalization

Central Operation Cockpit

Streamline steel plant operations with real-time monitoring, automated alerts, and advanced tools for safety, efficiency, and consistent quality.

ALEX: Asset Life Expert

Monitor condition, detect failures early, and optimize maintenance with Asset Life Expert (ALEX) for steel plants.

MAT: Maintenance Asset Technology

Leverage advanced Maintenance Asset Technology (MAT) to optimize equipment performance, reduce downtime, and improve operational efficiency.

Production Management Liquid & Solid

Optimize steel production with Production Management Liquid and Solid, offering cross-plant planning, quality control, and logistics integration for enhanced efficiency.

Online Heat Scheduler

Optimize meltshop operations with the Online Heat Scheduler, offering dynamic planning, reactive scheduling, and reduced energy consumption for steel production.

Through-Process Quality Control

Ensure top-quality steel production with TPQC. Leverage real-time data, predictive analytics, and defect prevention for enhanced efficiency and precision.

Energy Management System

The energy management system enhances operational efficiency through predictive algorithms to optimize energy use at ironmaking plants, steel plants and rolling mills.

The Virtual Plant

Train operators and test automation systems with a digital twin. Enhance skills, ensure system reliability, and enable fast start-ups in steel production.

Metals Business Intelligence

Empower steel production with Metals Business Intelligence, offering data-driven insights, customizable dashboards, and streamlined decision-making tools.

Electrification

Medium-Voltage Power Supply

Medium-Voltage Power Supply, Substations, and Transformers

Digital Power Substation

Optimize energy use and reliability with the Digital Power Substation. Leverage real-time analytics, predictive maintenance, and scalable architecture for steel and aluminum plants.

Medium-Voltage Drives and Motors

The customizable dimensions of medium-voltage drives and motors enhance flexibility and adaptability. Additionally, their design minimizes distortion of the supply grid. Combined with a robust and durable construction, these features make them ideal for the various demands of steel plants.

Low-Voltage Drives and Motors

With various applications throughout the steel industry, low-voltage drives and motors enhance product quality and ensure optimal plant productivity.

Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM)

The static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) is a power quality and harmonics management system that enhances steel plant energy performance, reduces operational expenses, and ensures compliance with IEC and utility standards.

Digitalization