VAICON Sublance 2.0

The VAICON Sublance 2.0 is installed above the converter plant and is used for the fastest and most accurate measurements during in-blow and end-of-blow phases of all converter processes. In steelmaking, accurate process control is crucial for producing demanding steel grades with the highest quality and efficiency. While modern principal and data-based process models and simulation tools are becoming more powerful, they still require accurate input data for precise process control. The converter steelmaking process involves the conversion of molten pig iron into steel through the injection of oxygen and other gases into the molten metal bath. This dynamic process is highly sensitive to variations in temperature, composition, and other parameters, necessitating precise monitoring and control mechanisms, which are represented in an appropriate sublance system.

The VAICON Sublance 2.0, installed above the converter plant, enables rapid and precise in-blow and end-of-blow measurements for all converter processes. It offers optimal solutions for temperature measurement, lab sample collection, oxygen activity assessment, bath level, and carbon content determination. The sublance itself is mounted on the lance car, which is guided on a rigid, stiff, and lightweight guide structure. A centering device at the lower part of the guide and adjustable rollers on the lance car ensure vibration-free stable positioning of the sublance during measurement operation. A fast lance exchange procedure with minimized manual actions is guaranteed by a quick coupling system. The lance itself is water-cooled, and the inner pipe is nitrogen-purged to keep the contacts of the contact rod clean. The VAICON Sublance 2.0 is an indispensable tool for steel experts, providing essential data for precise process control in LD converter steelmaking. Its innovative features and reliable performance make it a valuable asset in achieving high-quality steel production, particularly through the use of vertical sublance technology.

Benefits of the VAICON Sublance 2.0

• Accurate and fast in-blow and end-blow measurements
• Simple and robust design ensures long lifetime
• Radar-based positioning
• Can be combined with robots for more flexible probe handling
• Ideal in combination with Primetals Technologies Converter Process Model