Steelmaking Technology for the Last 100 Years: Toward Highly Efficient Mass Production Systems for High Quality Steels
ISIJ International, Vol. 55 (2015), No. 1, pp. 36–66 Review Steelmaking Technology for the Last 100 Years: Toward Highly Efficient Mass Production Systems for High Quality Steels Toshihiko EMI* Formerly Tohoku University and Kawasaki Steel. Now at Takaido Higashi 1-31-6-603, Suginami, Tokyo, 168-0072 Japan. (Received on August 15, 2014; accepted on September 29, 2014; originally published in Tetsu-to-Hagané, Vol. 100, 2014, No. 1, pp. 31–58) Progress of steelmaking technology in Japan over the last 100 years is overviewed covering hot metal pretreatment, primary steelmaking with open hearth furnaces, converters and electric arc furnaces, sec- ondary refining of steel with degassers and ladle furnaces, and ingot- and continuous-casting. Key issues that contributed considerably to the progress of the unit processes are highlighted with sci- entific, technological and engineering breakthroughs involved. Also, systematization of the unit processes is depicted for optimizing full cost, productivity and quality of steel products to meet the constraints on the resources and socioeconomic demands of the steel market at times. Possible future development of steel technology is briefly commented on the basis of the above obser- vation. KEY WORDS: Historical overview; hot metal pretreatment; primary- and secondary-steelmaking; ingot- and continuous-casting; steelmaking system. phorus (P) since iron ore available there was high in P. 1. Introduction Mass production of steel in those days was dominated by Celebrating the centennial anniversary of the Iron and Britain, Germany, Belgium and USA. Japan imported nec- Steel Institute of Japan, an attempt is made to give an over- essary pieces of equipment, materials, operational skill, and view of the development of steelmaking technologies in raw materials from these countries to start industrial steel- Japan in the last 100 years with own limited experiences in making with crucible furnace in 1890.
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