AOD Optimizer

The Argon Oxygen Decarburization Optimizer (AOD Optimizer) is a dynamic process optimization system designed specifically for AOD meltshop operations in the steel industry. Stainless steel producers face numerous challenges, including the need to achieve stable and reproducible steel quality, maximize yield and throughput, and optimize production costs and resources. The AOD Optimizer addresses these challenges by increasing productivity, providing targeted control of the treatment process, and optimizing raw material strategy. It offers functionalities such as real-time visualization and heat tracking, dynamic process control functions, holistic calculation of input materials, and powerful metallurgical models. Additionally, the system includes a Digital Twin for process simulation, training, and steel grade development, making it an invaluable tool for plant managers, engineers, and operators.

The AOD Optimizer addresses the critical demands of steel producers to reach highest qualities in stainless steelmaking and AOD converters through targeted control of the treatment process, thereby minimizing production costs via an optimized raw material strategy. By mitigating variability in stainless steelmaking, it enhances stable product quality and continuously builds know-how. The system boosts productivity through dynamic control and improves product quality with advanced process models and continuous online calculations. Operators are guided to quickly set the right corrective actions, enabling autonomous operation or one-button steelmaking.

The AOD Optimizer features continuous online calculation and dynamic control of treatment using well-proven process models, such as heat and mass balance. It calculates necessary additions and gas consumptions and provides process visualization and operator guidance through a state-of-the-art Human-Machine Interface (HMI). Targeted process control is achieved with Standard Melting Practices (SMP), and comprehensive reporting tools are available for heat logging, delay tracking, and alarm generation. Its modularity allows for various process control modules to be installed on the process optimization core system, with a fully modular software architecture that supports continuous system and module upgrades.

Benefits of the AOD Optimizer

• Achieves stable and reproducible steel quality
• Maximizes yield and throughput
• Optimizes production costs and resources
• Reduces reblows through targeted control
• Minimizes production costs with optimized raw material strategy
• Enhances product quality with advanced process models
• Guides operators for quick corrective actions
• Supports continuous system and module upgrades