Project 4

Project 4 focuses on developing and implementing advanced in-situ measurement and data analysis techniques for optimizing plasma-based metal production processes.

The in-situ measurements represent an advancement due to the application of real-time optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and sensor integration in evaluating plasma characteristics and interactions. The development of accurate measurement methods, their applicability in high-temperature environments, and their scalability are carried out. The sensors provide critical information on plasma characteristics together with radiating species and their distribution, which are essential for process optimization.

The measurement techniques are divided into real-time spectroscopy, characterized by capturing plasma emissions to determine temperature and species densities, and advanced sensor configurations, which are optimized for hydrogen plasma Smelting reduction (HPSR) experiments and dust formation analysis. By employing these methods, precise data is obtained, which is vital for enhancing the efficiency of plasma arc processes.

By integrating advanced data analysis techniques, the acquired data from in-situ measurements can be converted into actionable insights for process optimization. By a stepwise analysis of the data, process parameters are adjusted to achieve higher efficiency, with the high risk of data misinterpretation due to the complex nature of plasma interactions being mitigated by robust analytical techniques. Hence, innovative data analytics methods can be used to improve the accuracy and reliability of process control.

The primary goal of Project 4 is to optimize in-situ measurement methods to improve process control and efficiency in plasma-based furnaces and other electric arc furnaces (EAF). By enhancing measurement accuracy and data analysis, the project aims to reduce energy and material consumption and minimize process time. The expected benefits include higher quality metal production, reduced environmental impact, and improved economic viability of plasma-based processes.