SAIL in pact with Swiss co to develop high strength steel

Steel Authority of India (SAIL) today announced the signing of a collaborative agreement with CBMM (Companhia Brasileira de Metalurgia e Mineracao of Brazil) Technology Suisse SA, based in Geneva, Switzerland.

Popular for its application in transportation of oil & natural gas, API grades of line pipe steel have a huge market in India with annual demand being estimated to be 1 million tons (MT) in the coming years.

Demand for API X-80 grade steel with superior high strength qualities, is likely to increase sharply. The agreement aims at enhancing SAIL`s (Q,N,C,F)* market share in the special steels segment.

Earlier, too, Research & Development Centre for Iron & Steel (RDCIS) had initiated and successfully completed collaborative programmes with CBMM for development of API X-60 & 70 grade steel plates and HR coils at Bhilai and Bokaro Steel Plants, respectively.

As per the agreement, which carries a tenure of two years, SAIL plans to develop high strength steel of API X-80 specification for line pipe and structural applications. The international demand for API grades of steel is projected at 8 MT per annum, generating a large untapped market for Indian steel producers.

Production of API X-80 from SAIL plants is expected to commence within one year. With CBMM as its ally in this project, SAIL will be able to substantially reduce the development time of its new product, by roping in CBMM`s long-term expertise in the sector. CBMM is a major producer of niobium in the world and supports research collaborations with leading R&D organisations and institutes to promote usage of niobium for development of new products.

Shares of the company declined Rs 3.1, or 1.57%, to trade at Rs 193.80. The total volume of shares traded was 103,639 at the BSE (12.32 p.m., Friday). 

http://www.myiris.com/newsCentre/storyShow.php?fileR=20101112123725707&dir=2010/11/12&secID=livenews

Steel prices to remain highly volatile: Tata Sons

Globally steel prices have corrected 5% in last three-weeks. Commenting on the issue, JJ Irani, Director of Tata Sons said Chinese markets, the world's largest producer of steel, has retracted but has just stopped growing. “The high growth rate in China was unsustainable.”
However, Irani said the Chinese will not cut back on steel consumption. “They will continue to produce between 500-600 million tonnes and will also continue to use that much amount.” 
On pricing front, Irani said, the “joker in the pack” remained raw material prices. “The iron ore tax in Australia may lead to higher costs,” he said. 

The other big problem has been Europe where there are fears of demand coming down for companies like Tata Steel who have a lot of their businesses earmarked to the region. However, Irani does not see any impact on Indian steel industry arising out of the Eurozone crisis. 

Going forward, Irani said steel prices will remain highly volatile.
 

Below is a verbatim transcript of the interview. Also watch the video.
Q: First a word on one market that is keeping every one troubled that is China and how much demand is actually slipping over there in order to press down prices?
A: I think the Chinese market has stopped growing. It’s not that it is retracting, but the type of increases we saw there, 50 million tonnes per year for the last 5-6 years, that sort of growth was unsustainable and may not take place but I don’t see the Chinese market actually using less steel. They will continue to produce between 500 and 600 million tonnes and also continue to use that much amount, they are not importing much and they won’t export much.
Q: Would it be fair to say that steel prices internationally have peaked off for this summer at least?
A: In the Steel prices there is a joker in the pack because it depends very much on the raw material prices. All of us are aware that raw material prices at the beginning of the year were increased without any particular reason. The three main raw material producers saw an opportunity and they increased the prices quite substantially, that resulted in windfall of profits for them and the Australian government has slapped on a windfall tax. That has prompted the rawmaterial producers to say that, 'Now that we are going to be taxed, we might have to charge even higher.'
It seems as a rather ludicrous situation in which you (raw material producers) make huge profits, you are taxed on that and because you are taxed, you say that you will increase your prices even further. So that matter is not yet resolved, but if they do increase the prices again, the raw material producers, then of course the steel makers cost will go up. Our cars, homes, and washing machines, everything that uses steel will cost that much more because the steel makers would have very little option but rather than trying to pass on these increases in costs, as a result of rawmaterial cost increases, to the final consumer. 

http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/steel-prices-to-remain-highly-volatile-tata-sons-_459375.html

Hyundai to raise steel export prices for June/July

SEOUL: South Korea's Hyundai Steel, the country's No.2 steelmaker, said on Friday it would raise export prices of its steel products by $30 per tonne for June/July shipments on rising steel scrap and freight costs.

Prices of H-beams, used mainly in construction, will rise to more than $810 a tonne on a cost-and-freight (CFR) basis from $780-$800 for short-distance destinations such as Southeast Asia, and to more than $850 a tonne, CFR, for long-distance destinations such as the United States, the company said in a statement.

The firm said economic recovery and growth in resource development projects was expected to boost H-beam and section demand by 8-10 per cent year on year in 2010. Hyundai Steel last month announced domestic price hikes for major steel products.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international-business/Hyundai-to-raise-steel-export-prices-for-June/July/articleshow/5902207.cms

Monitoring pickling baths in the steel industry

The Metrohm Processlab system for bath analysis can continuously monitor pickling baths used in the steel industry.

Steel-pickling involves removing impurities resulting from previous production steps - for example the Scale 1 produced during rolling, or any rust already present - then preparing the surface for subsequent process steps.

At the same time, interfering annealing colours are removed, the surface being passivated by the formation of a protective layer and in this way protected against further corrosion.
Only after the pickling process can steel be formed or its surfaces treated and, for example, used for the production of automobile or metal-construction components.
The pickling baths used are made up of diluted acids, for example hydrochloric or sulphuric acid, or are mixtures of acids such as HNO3/HF or H2SO4/H3PO4/HF.
Accelerants and other auxiliary agents are often added to these mixtures to optimise and speed-up the process.
While pickling removes impurities, the acids used also attack the steel surface and partially dissolve it.
This is why it is important that process-relevant parameters such as dwell time, bath temperature and bath composition are accurately controlled and maintained.
Physical parameters such as dwell time and bath temperature are easy to monitor, whereas the analysis of bath constituents must be carried out in an analytical laboratory.
The Metrohm Processlab system removes the need for qualified laboratory personnel to analyse bath constituents twenty-four hours a day.
Processlab can be installed directly in the process area.
This enables on-site process analysis around the clock and results in more direct and precise process control.
The Processlab system automatically determines parameters that are important for the smooth running of a pickling bath: free acid and total acid as well as the Fe(II) and Fe(III) concentrations.
The system is installed in the vicinity of the process to be monitored and allows the rapid on-site analysis of various pickling baths.
A Processlab analysis system always consists of one or several analytical modules adapted to the particular application and a TFT operating unit.
The operating unit and the analysis module are contained in a robust, splash-protected housing and are suitable for use in harsh conditions.
The single Processlab housing includes: a titration vessel with magnetic stirrer; variable and automatic sample metering using a sample loop; an 800 Dosino; and two 800 Dosinos for the exact addition of the two titrants: Ce(SO4)2 and NaOH.
The peristaltic pumps are used for the automatic addition of reagents and auxiliary agents and for rinsing the titration vessel.
The user only has to take a sample from the bath and bring it to the system.
The analysis sequence for the automatic determination of all four parameters is started by pressing a single button.
The sample is metered automatically, transferred to the titration vessel and the concentrations of the analytes determined by titration.
All the necessary process information is available within only a few minutes, without the bath samples having to be taken to the laboratory for analysis.
To determine the free and total acid, a 2mL sample is metered fully automatically, treated with 20mL potassium fluoride solution (c(KF) = 3 mol/L) to mask the iron, demineralised water is added and the solution then titrated with NaOH solution to pH 4.2.
The NaOH consumption corresponds to the amount of free acid in the bath.
A further aliquot of the sample is titrated with NaOH solution to pH 8.6; in this case the total amount of NaOH consumed corresponds to the total acid concentration in the bath.
To determine the Fe(II) and Fe(III) concentrations, demineralised water is placed in the titration vessel and a sample aliquot of 2mL is added to it automatically.
Using a Pt electrode, titration is performed with cerium (IV) sulphate solution (c(Ce(SO4)2) = 0.1 mol/L) to the first endpoint.
The Ce(IV) consumption corresponds to the Fe(II) concentration in the pickling bath.
The Processlab system determines all the relevant bath parameters and collects important process information.
The results are available at any time for the subsequent traceability of the process and for making audits easier.
The system can also transmit status signals, for example if a predefined limit is infringed or if a fault occurs in the system.
Information about the bath content can also be easily transmitted in the form of an analogue 4-20mA signal.
Information is immediately made available to the personnel in the operations centre or the process-monitoring system.
This makes it possible to react directly to variations and, if necessary, to take countermeasures.
If a variation does occur, the correct amount of fresh acid or auxiliary agent to be added can be calculated with the acid of the included tiamo for Processlab software; the addition can be carried out fully automatically.
The rapid availability of the analytical data allows the pickling process to be carried out under optimal conditions.
This improves the quality of the end product; reducing the use of chemicals results in lower running costs.
The more efficient bath control and higher quality end-products often means the Processlab system will pay for itself in fewer than three years.
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/moh/moh686.html

Monitoring pickling baths in the steel industry

The Metrohm Processlab system for bath analysis can continuously monitor pickling baths used in the steel industry.

Steel-pickling involves removing impurities resulting from previous production steps - for example the Scale 1 produced during rolling, or any rust already present - then preparing the surface for subsequent process steps.

At the same time, interfering annealing colours are removed, the surface being passivated by the formation of a protective layer and in this way protected against further corrosion.
Only after the pickling process can steel be formed or its surfaces treated and, for example, used for the production of automobile or metal-construction components.
The pickling baths used are made up of diluted acids, for example hydrochloric or sulphuric acid, or are mixtures of acids such as HNO3/HF or H2SO4/H3PO4/HF.
Accelerants and other auxiliary agents are often added to these mixtures to optimise and speed-up the process.
While pickling removes impurities, the acids used also attack the steel surface and partially dissolve it.
This is why it is important that process-relevant parameters such as dwell time, bath temperature and bath composition are accurately controlled and maintained.
Physical parameters such as dwell time and bath temperature are easy to monitor, whereas the analysis of bath constituents must be carried out in an analytical laboratory.
The Metrohm Processlab system removes the need for qualified laboratory personnel to analyse bath constituents twenty-four hours a day.
Processlab can be installed directly in the process area.
This enables on-site process analysis around the clock and results in more direct and precise process control.
The Processlab system automatically determines parameters that are important for the smooth running of a pickling bath: free acid and total acid as well as the Fe(II) and Fe(III) concentrations.
The system is installed in the vicinity of the process to be monitored and allows the rapid on-site analysis of various pickling baths.
A Processlab analysis system always consists of one or several analytical modules adapted to the particular application and a TFT operating unit.
The operating unit and the analysis module are contained in a robust, splash-protected housing and are suitable for use in harsh conditions.
The single Processlab housing includes: a titration vessel with magnetic stirrer; variable and automatic sample metering using a sample loop; an 800 Dosino; and two 800 Dosinos for the exact addition of the two titrants: Ce(SO4)2 and NaOH.
The peristaltic pumps are used for the automatic addition of reagents and auxiliary agents and for rinsing the titration vessel.
The user only has to take a sample from the bath and bring it to the system.
The analysis sequence for the automatic determination of all four parameters is started by pressing a single button.
The sample is metered automatically, transferred to the titration vessel and the concentrations of the analytes determined by titration.
All the necessary process information is available within only a few minutes, without the bath samples having to be taken to the laboratory for analysis.
To determine the free and total acid, a 2mL sample is metered fully automatically, treated with 20mL potassium fluoride solution (c(KF) = 3 mol/L) to mask the iron, demineralised water is added and the solution then titrated with NaOH solution to pH;4.2.
The NaOH consumption corresponds to the amount of free acid in the bath.
A further aliquot of the sample is titrated with NaOH solution to pH 8.6; in this case the total amount of NaOH consumed corresponds to the total acid concentration in the bath.
To determine the Fe(II) and Fe(III) concentrations, demineralised water is placed in the titration vessel and a sample aliquot of 2mL is added to it automatically.
Using a Pt electrode, titration is performed with cerium (IV) sulphate solution (c(Ce(SO4)2) = 0.1 mol/L) to the first endpoint.
The Ce(IV) consumption corresponds to the Fe(II) concentration in the pickling bath.
The Processlab system determines all the relevant bath parameters and collects important process information.
The results are available at any time for the subsequent traceability of the process and for making audits easier.
The system can also transmit status signals, for example if a predefined limit is infringed or if a fault occurs in the system.
Information about the bath content can also be easily transmitted in the form of an analogue 4-20mA signal.
Information is immediately made available to the personnel in the operations centre or the process-monitoring system.
This makes it possible to react directly to variations and, if necessary, to take countermeasures.
If a variation does occur, the correct amount of fresh acid or auxiliary agent to be added can be calculated with the acid of the included tiamo for Processlab software; the addition can be carried out fully automatically.
The rapid availability of the analytical data allows the pickling process to be carried out under optimal conditions.
This improves the quality of the end product; reducing the use of chemicals results in lower running costs.
The more efficient bath control and higher quality end-products often means the Processlab system will pay for itself in fewer than three years.
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/moh/moh686.html

Monitoring pickling baths in the steel industry

The Metrohm Processlab system for bath analysis can continuously monitor pickling baths used in the steel industry.

Steel-pickling involves removing impurities resulting from previous production steps - for example the Scale 1 produced during rolling, or any rust already present - then preparing the surface for subsequent process steps.

At the same time, interfering annealing colours are removed, the surface being passivated by the formation of a protective layer and in this way protected against further corrosion.
Only after the pickling process can steel be formed or its surfaces treated and, for example, used for the production of automobile or metal-construction components.
The pickling baths used are made up of diluted acids, for example hydrochloric or sulphuric acid, or are mixtures of acids such as HNO3/HF or H2SO4/H3PO4/HF.
Accelerants and other auxiliary agents are often added to these mixtures to optimise and speed-up the process.
While pickling removes impurities, the acids used also attack the steel surface and partially dissolve it.
This is why it is important that process-relevant parameters such as dwell time, bath temperature and bath composition are accurately controlled and maintained.
Physical parameters such as dwell time and bath temperature are easy to monitor, whereas the analysis of bath constituents must be carried out in an analytical laboratory.
The Metrohm Processlab system removes the need for qualified laboratory personnel to analyse bath constituents twenty-four hours a day.
Processlab can be installed directly in the process area.
This enables on-site process analysis around the clock and results in more direct and precise process control.
The Processlab system automatically determines parameters that are important for the smooth running of a pickling bath: free acid and total acid as well as the Fe(II) and Fe(III) concentrations.
The system is installed in the vicinity of the process to be monitored and allows the rapid on-site analysis of various pickling baths.
A Processlab analysis system always consists of one or several analytical modules adapted to the particular application and a TFT operating unit.
The operating unit and the analysis module are contained in a robust, splash-protected housing and are suitable for use in harsh conditions.
The single Processlab housing includes: a titration vessel with magnetic stirrer; variable and automatic sample metering using a sample loop; an 800 Dosino; and two 800 Dosinos for the exact addition of the two titrants: Ce(SO4)2 and NaOH.
The peristaltic pumps are used for the automatic addition of reagents and auxiliary agents and for rinsing the titration vessel.
The user only has to take a sample from the bath and bring it to the system.
The analysis sequence for the automatic determination of all four parameters is started by pressing a single button.
The sample is metered automatically, transferred to the titration vessel and the concentrations of the analytes determined by titration.
All the necessary process information is available within only a few minutes, without the bath samples having to be taken to the laboratory for analysis.
To determine the free and total acid, a 2mL sample is metered fully automatically, treated with 20mL potassium fluoride solution (c(KF) = 3 mol/L) to mask the iron, demineralised water is added and the solution then titrated with NaOH solution to pH 4.2.
The NaOH consumption corresponds to the amount of free acid in the bath.
A further aliquot of the sample is titrated with NaOH solution to pH 8.6; in this case the total amount of NaOH consumed corresponds to the total acid concentration in the bath.
To determine the Fe(II) and Fe(III) concentrations, demineralised water is placed in the titration vessel and a sample aliquot of 2mL is added to it automatically.
Using a Pt electrode, titration is performed with cerium (IV) sulphate solution (c(Ce(SO4)2) = 0.1 mol/L) to the first endpoint.
The Ce(IV) consumption corresponds to the Fe(II) concentration in the pickling bath.
The Processlab system determines all the relevant bath parameters and collects important process information.
The results are available at any time for the subsequent traceability of the process and for making audits easier.
The system can also transmit status signals, for example if a predefined limit is infringed or if a fault occurs in the system.
Information about the bath content can also be easily transmitted in the form of an analogue 4-20mA signal.
Information is immediately made available to the personnel in the operations centre or the process-monitoring system.
This makes it possible to react directly to variations and, if necessary, to take countermeasures.
If a variation does occur, the correct amount of fresh acid or auxiliary agent to be added can be calculated with the acid of the included tiamo for Processlab software; the addition can be carried out fully automatically.
The rapid availability of the analytical data allows the pickling process to be carried out under optimal conditions.
This improves the quality of the end product; reducing the use of chemicals results in lower running costs.
The more efficient bath control and higher quality end-products often means the Processlab system will pay for itself in fewer than three years.
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/moh/moh686.html

Monitoring pickling baths in the steel industry

The Metrohm Processlab system for bath analysis can continuously monitor pickling baths used in the steel industry.

Steel-pickling involves removing impurities resulting from previous production steps - for example the Scale 1 produced during rolling, or any rust already present - then preparing the surface for subsequent process steps.

At the same time, interfering annealing colours are removed, the surface being passivated by the formation of a protective layer and in this way protected against further corrosion.
Only after the pickling process can steel be formed or its surfaces treated and, for example, used for the production of automobile or metal-construction components.
The pickling baths used are made up of diluted acids, for example hydrochloric or sulphuric acid, or are mixtures of acids such as HNO3/HF or H2SO4/H3PO4/HF.
Accelerants and other auxiliary agents are often added to these mixtures to optimise and speed-up the process.
While pickling removes impurities, the acids used also attack the steel surface and partially dissolve it.
This is why it is important that process-relevant parameters such as dwell time, bath temperature and bath composition are accurately controlled and maintained.
Physical parameters such as dwell time and bath temperature are easy to monitor, whereas the analysis of bath constituents must be carried out in an analytical laboratory.
The Metrohm Processlab system removes the need for qualified laboratory personnel to analyse bath constituents twenty-four hours a day.
Processlab can be installed directly in the process area.
This enables on-site process analysis around the clock and results in more direct and precise process control.
The Processlab system automatically determines parameters that are important for the smooth running of a pickling bath: free acid and total acid as well as the Fe(II) and Fe(III) concentrations.
The system is installed in the vicinity of the process to be monitored and allows the rapid on-site analysis of various pickling baths.
A Processlab analysis system always consists of one or several analytical modules adapted to the particular application and a TFT operating unit.
The operating unit and the analysis module are contained in a robust, splash-protected housing and are suitable for use in harsh conditions.
The single Processlab housing includes: a titration vessel with magnetic stirrer; variable and automatic sample metering using a sample loop; an 800 Dosino; and two 800 Dosinos for the exact addition of the two titrants: Ce(SO4)2 and NaOH.
The peristaltic pumps are used for the automatic addition of reagents and auxiliary agents and for rinsing the titration vessel.
The user only has to take a sample from the bath and bring it to the system.
The analysis sequence for the automatic determination of all four parameters is started by pressing a single button.
The sample is metered automatically, transferred to the titration vessel and the concentrations of the analytes determined by titration.
All the necessary process information is available within only a few minutes, without the bath samples having to be taken to the laboratory for analysis.
To determine the free and total acid, a 2mL sample is metered fully automatically, treated with 20mL potassium fluoride solution (c(KF) = 3 mol/L) to mask the iron, demineralised water is added and the solution then titrated with NaOH solution to pH 4.2.
The NaOH consumption corresponds to the amount of free acid in the bath.
A further aliquot of the sample is titrated with NaOH solution to pH 8.6; in this case the total amount of NaOH consumed corresponds to the total acid concentration in the bath.
To determine the Fe(II) and Fe(III) concentrations, demineralised water is placed in the titration vessel and a sample aliquot of 2mL is added to it automatically.
Using a Pt electrode, titration is performed with cerium (IV) sulphate solution (c(Ce(SO4)2) = 0.1 mol/L) to the first endpoint.
The Ce(IV) consumption corresponds to the Fe(II) concentration in the pickling bath.
The Processlab system determines all the relevant bath parameters and collects important process information.
The results are available at any time for the subsequent traceability of the process and for making audits easier.
The system can also transmit status signals, for example if a predefined limit is infringed or if a fault occurs in the system.
Information about the bath content can also be easily transmitted in the form of an analogue 4-20mA signal.
Information is immediately made available to the personnel in the operations centre or the process-monitoring system.
This makes it possible to react directly to variations and, if necessary, to take countermeasures.
If a variation does occur, the correct amount of fresh acid or auxiliary agent to be added can be calculated with the acid of the included tiamo for Processlab software; the addition can be carried out fully automatically.
The rapid availability of the analytical data allows the pickling process to be carried out under optimal conditions.
This improves the quality of the end product; reducing the use of chemicals results in lower running costs.
The more efficient bath control and higher quality end-products often means the Processlab system will pay for itself in fewer than three years.
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/moh/moh686.html

Monitoring pickling baths in the steel industry

The Metrohm Processlab system for bath analysis can continuously monitor pickling baths used in the steel industry.

Steel-pickling involves removing impurities resulting from previous production steps - for example the Scale 1 produced during rolling, or any rust already present - then preparing the surface for subsequent process steps.

At the same time, interfering annealing colours are removed, the surface being passivated by the formation of a protective layer and in this way protected against further corrosion.
Only after the pickling process can steel be formed or its surfaces treated and, for example, used for the production of automobile or metal-construction components.
The pickling baths used are made up of diluted acids, for example hydrochloric or sulphuric acid, or are mixtures of acids such as HNO3/HF or H2SO4/H3PO4/HF.
Accelerants and other auxiliary agents are often added to these mixtures to optimise and speed-up the process.
While pickling removes impurities, the acids used also attack the steel surface and partially dissolve it.
This is why it is important that process-relevant parameters such as dwell time, bath temperature and bath composition are accurately controlled and maintained.
Physical parameters such as dwell time and bath temperature are easy to monitor, whereas the analysis of bath constituents must be carried out in an analytical laboratory.
The Metrohm Processlab system removes the need for qualified laboratory personnel to analyse bath constituents twenty-four hours a day.
Processlab can be installed directly in the process area.
This enables on-site process analysis around the clock and results in more direct and precise process control.
The Processlab system automatically determines parameters that are important for the smooth running of a pickling bath: free acid and total acid as well as the Fe(II) and Fe(III) concentrations.
The system is installed in the vicinity of the process to be monitored and allows the rapid on-site analysis of various pickling baths.
A Processlab analysis system always consists of one or several analytical modules adapted to the particular application and a TFT operating unit.
The operating unit and the analysis module are contained in a robust, splash-protected housing and are suitable for use in harsh conditions.
The single Processlab housing includes: a titration vessel with magnetic stirrer; variable and automatic sample metering using a sample loop; an 800 Dosino; and two 800 Dosinos for the exact addition of the two titrants: Ce(SO4)2 and NaOH.
The peristaltic pumps are used for the automatic addition of reagents and auxiliary agents and for rinsing the titration vessel.
The user only has to take a sample from the bath and bring it to the system.
The analysis sequence for the automatic determination of all four parameters is started by pressing a single button.
The sample is metered automatically, transferred to the titration vessel and the concentrations of the analytes determined by titration.
All the necessary process information is available within only a few minutes, without the bath samples having to be taken to the laboratory for analysis.
To determine the free and total acid, a 2mL sample is metered fully automatically, treated with 20mL potassium fluoride solution (c(KF) = 3 mol/L) to mask the iron, demineralised water is added and the solution then titrated with NaOH solution to pH 4.2.
The NaOH consumption corresponds to the amount of free acid in the bath.
A further aliquot of the sample is titrated with NaOH solution to pH 8.6; in this case the total amount of NaOH consumed corresponds to the total acid concentration in the bath.
To determine the Fe(II) and Fe(III) concentrations, demineralised water is placed in the titration vessel and a sample aliquot of 2mL is added to it automatically.
Using a Pt electrode, titration is performed with cerium (IV) sulphate solution (c(Ce(SO4)2) = 0.1 mol/L) to the first endpoint.
The Ce(IV) consumption corresponds to the Fe(II) concentration in the pickling bath.
The Processlab system determines all the relevant bath parameters and collects important process information.
The results are available at any time for the subsequent traceability of the process and for making audits easier.
The system can also transmit status signals, for example if a predefined limit is infringed or if a fault occurs in the system.
Information about the bath content can also be easily transmitted in the form of an analogue 4-20mA signal.
Information is immediately made available to the personnel in the operations centre or the process-monitoring system.
This makes it possible to react directly to variations and, if necessary, to take countermeasures.
If a variation does occur, the correct amount of fresh acid or auxiliary agent to be added can be calculated with the acid of the included tiamo for Processlab software; the addition can be carried out fully automatically.
The rapid availability of the analytical data allows the pickling process to be carried out under optimal conditions.
This improves the quality of the end product; reducing the use of chemicals results in lower running costs.
The more efficient bath control and higher quality end-products often means the Processlab system will pay for itself in fewer than three years.
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/moh/moh686.html

Monitoring pickling baths in the steel industry

The Metrohm Processlab system for bath analysis can continuously monitor pickling baths used in the steel industry.

Steel-pickling involves removing impurities resulting from previous production steps - for example the Scale 1 produced during rolling, or any rust already present - then preparing the surface for subsequent process steps.

At the same time, interfering annealing colours are removed, the surface being passivated by the formation of a protective layer and in this way protected against further corrosion.
Only after the pickling process can steel be formed or its surfaces treated and, for example, used for the production of automobile or metal-construction components.
The pickling baths used are made up of diluted acids, for example hydrochloric or sulphuric acid, or are mixtures of acids such as HNO3/HF or H2SO4/H3PO4/HF.
Accelerants and other auxiliary agents are often added to these mixtures to optimise and speed-up the process.
While pickling removes impurities, the acids used also attack the steel surface and partially dissolve it.
This is why it is important that process-relevant parameters such as dwell time, bath temperature and bath composition are accurately controlled and maintained.
Physical parameters such as dwell time and bath temperature are easy to monitor, whereas the analysis of bath constituents must be carried out in an analytical laboratory.
The Metrohm Processlab system removes the need for qualified laboratory personnel to analyse bath constituents twenty-four hours a day.
Processlab can be installed directly in the process area.
This enables on-site process analysis around the clock and results in more direct and precise process control.
The Processlab system automatically determines parameters that are important for the smooth running of a pickling bath: free acid and total acid as well as the Fe(II) and Fe(III) concentrations.
The system is installed in the vicinity of the process to be monitored and allows the rapid on-site analysis of various pickling baths.
A Processlab analysis system always consists of one or several analytical modules adapted to the particular application and a TFT operating unit.
The operating unit and the analysis module are contained in a robust, splash-protected housing and are suitable for use in harsh conditions.
The single Processlab housing includes: a titration vessel with magnetic stirrer; variable and automatic sample metering using a sample loop; an 800 Dosino; and two 800 Dosinos for the exact addition of the two titrants: Ce(SO4)2 and NaOH.
The peristaltic pumps are used for the automatic addition of reagents and auxiliary agents and for rinsing the titration vessel.
The user only has to take a sample from the bath and bring it to the system.
The analysis sequence for the automatic determination of all four parameters is started by pressing a single button.
The sample is metered automatically, transferred to the titration vessel and the concentrations of the analytes determined by titration.
All the necessary process information is available within only a few minutes, without the bath samples having to be taken to the laboratory for analysis.
To determine the free and total acid, a 2mL sample is metered fully automatically, treated with 20mL potassium fluoride solution (c(KF) = 3 mol/L) to mask the iron, demineralised water is added and the solution then titrated with NaOH solution to pH 4.2.
The NaOH consumption corresponds to the amount of free acid in the bath.
A further aliquot of the sample is titrated with NaOH solution to pH 8.6; in this case the total amount of NaOH consumed corresponds to the total acid concentration in the bath.
To determine the Fe(II) and Fe(III) concentrations, demineralised water is placed in the titration vessel and a sample aliquot of 2mL is added to it automatically.
Using a Pt electrode, titration is performed with cerium (IV) sulphate solution (c(Ce(SO4)2) = 0.1 mol/L) to the first endpoint.
The Ce(IV) consumption corresponds to the Fe(II) concentration in the pickling bath.
The Processlab system determines all the relevant bath parameters and collects important process information.
The results are available at any time for the subsequent traceability of the process and for making audits easier.
The system can also transmit status signals, for example if a predefined limit is infringed or if a fault occurs in the system.
Information about the bath content can also be easily transmitted in the form of an analogue 4-20mA signal.
Information is immediately made available to the personnel in the operations centre or the process-monitoring system.
This makes it possible to react directly to variations and, if necessary, to take countermeasures.
If a variation does occur, the correct amount of fresh acid or auxiliary agent to be added can be calculated with the acid of the included tiamo for Processlab software; the addition can be carried out fully automatically.
The rapid availability of the analytical data allows the pickling process to be carried out under optimal conditions.
This improves the quality of the end product; reducing the use of chemicals results in lower running costs.
The more efficient bath control and higher quality end-products often means the Processlab system will pay for itself in fewer than three years.
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/moh/moh686.html

SAIL hikes steel prices by upto Rs. 600 a tonne

State—owned steel major SAIL on Wednesday said that it has hiked steel prices by up to Rs. 600 a tonne, effective from March 1, on account of increase in excise duty.

“Yes there is a price increase of about Rs 500 to Rs 600 a tonne due to the excise duty hike. The price increase is effective from March 1,” Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) Chairman S. K. Roongta told reporters on the sidelines of All India Induction Furnace Association meet here.

Mr. Roongta said the hike in excise duty will result in steel prices going up.

Partially rolling back the fiscal stimulus in Budget 2010—2011, the government raised excise duty by 2-10 per cent across the board.

To spur economic activities, the government had earlier initiated massive spending programmes and slashed duties from December 2008 in three stages following the global financial crisis that began in September same year.

Steel Secretary Atul Chaturvedi also said steel prices were set to go up.

“They (steel prices) will go up now. You have to decipher between inflation and recession. Companies have to earn money and this could be done only if either raw material prices go down or their steel prices go up,” Mr. Chaturvedi said.

When asked if the price rise was alarming he said, “If we see steel prices in the last 30 months, the current scenario is not alarming.” 

http://beta.thehindu.com/business/Industry/article125606.ece