A team led by an Oak Ridge National Laboratory researcher is testing wireless sensors that could help the steel industry save money and reduce energy use and emissions.
Led by ORNL’s Glenn Allgood, the team recently installed these wireless sensors at Commercial Metals Co. in Cayce, S.C. The sensors are designed to withstand harsh conditions and provide instant information that will improve monitoring and control of a steel mill’s equipment, according to information provided by ORNL.
The melting, refining, casting and rolling process consumes a significant amount of electrical and chemical energy. Steel mill operators have traditionally measured and monitored energy inputs, but they have not attempted to measure and assess energy losses, the ORNL information said.
“CMC is expecting a noticeable improvement in efficiency and corresponding production cost savings as a result of using the information as feedback into the process,” the information said.
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