Gwangyang Steelworks Develops Smart Sintering System

Published 07 Mar.2023 18:11(KST)

Achieving Uniform Quality through AI-Based Diagnosis and Autonomous Control

Development of Systems Reflecting Quantitative and Qualitative Data

POSCO Gwangyang Steelworks (Director Lee Jin-su) has taken the lead in realizing a smart factory by developing a smart sintering system using artificial intelligence (AI) and big data to produce sintered ore without quality variation.

Before iron ore is charged into the blast furnace, it undergoes a so-called "sintering process," which is the process of homogenizing the components of powdered iron ore and processing it into a size suitable for the blast furnace to produce sintered ore.

[Photo provided by Gwangyang Steelworks]

The main control factors of the sintering process can be broadly classified into three categories: △ fuel and raw material mixing △ uniform charging of mixed raw materials △ speed control and sintering.

Gwangyang Steelworks introduced a smart sintering process to realize autonomous operation that minimizes operator intervention in the above process.

First, during the mixing process, an AI-based measurement system capable of analyzing the moisture content of raw materials in real time was developed and introduced to reduce moisture variation. Additionally, a video analysis device was newly installed in the charging process, and an abnormal charging automatic detection system capable of controlling operational conditions in real time was established to ensure that the charged mixed raw materials are uniformly sintered.

Furthermore, an automatic control system that adjusts the sintered ore production speed according to the target quality was developed to reduce quality variation of the sintered ore.

In particular, the development process of the smart sintering system attracted attention as it incorporated the experience and know-how of field workers.

Rather than relying solely on AI and big data to automate the process, in-depth interviews were conducted directly with field operators, and qualitative analysis was carried out to accurately identify and reflect the necessary factors for each process element, maximizing the system’s completeness.

Gwangyang Steelworks plans to continuously advance the newly established smart sintering system and introduce and expand it throughout the entire sintering process.

Hong Seok-hoon, Assistant Manager of the Ironmaking Department at Gwangyang Steelworks, said, “The development of this smart sintering system is meaningful not only because it improved the quality of sintered ore but also because it maximized operational efficiency through work automation. We will continue to actively strive for smart work by pursuing ongoing technological development.”