Resolving Production Disruptions and Quality Issues... POSCO Pohang Steelworks Maximizes Production with 'P-LTE Network and Wireless IoT Sensor Integration'

High-Temperature and High-Risk Environments: Data Analysis Enables Early Detection of Equipment Abnormalities

POSCO Pohang Steelworks has achieved significant improvements in productivity and safety by combining its dedicated Wi-Fi network, P-LTE, with wireless IoT integrated sensors.

An employee at POSCO Pohang Steelworks Raw Material Plant 3 is using an IoT technology-based real-time monitoring system.

'P-LTE' is a technology jointly developed by POSCO and KT, providing stable and fast wireless internet connectivity within the Pohang Steelworks.

Additionally, by utilizing the 'wireless IoT integrated sensor' developed in collaboration between the Steelworks EIC Technology Department and POSCO DX, data such as equipment vibration, temperature, and humidity can be easily collected even in harsh steel mill environments without the need for separate cable installations.

The 'equipment management solution' developed through the integration of these two technologies is a system that enables real-time remote monitoring and alarm reception by transmitting data from wireless IoT sensors attached to on-site equipment to office PCs and mobile devices via P-LTE.

A representative example of applying the 'equipment management solution' at the steelworks site is the belt conveyor that transports raw materials for the blast furnace and FINEX.

In the sintering area, which is larger than Yeouido in size, vibration and temperature data from major equipment are collected using the 'equipment management solution,' allowing for early detection of equipment abnormalities such as bearing damage and preventing numerous major production disruptions such as belt damage or fire caused by friction.

This technology has also been applied to the rolling mill at the steelworks, resolving safety and quality issues. Real-time data monitoring through wireless IoT sensors enables early detection of equipment abnormalities, eliminating the need to approach the rolling mill for equipment inspections.

The 3rd wire rod plant, which has adopted the equipment management solution, has been able to dramatically improve production disruptions and surface quality defects caused by material deviation.

A POSCO Pohang Steelworks official stated, "With this technology, we can now monitor equipment data in real time even in high-temperature and high-risk environments that were previously difficult to access," adding, "Production disruptions and quality defects at the steelworks have been significantly reduced, and on-site safety has greatly improved."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.