Georg Gaiser, Montanuniversität Leoben, Austria

Co-Author:
Peter Presoly, Montanuniversität Leoben
Christian Bernhard, Montanuniversität Leoben

Abstract:
Reducing CO2 emissions in steel production is one of the major challenges for the European steel industry in the upcoming years, whereby the remelting of scrap in electric arc furnaces is the most important bridging technology. Depending on the scrap type, steel scrap contains different levels of undesirable by-elements, also referred to as tramp elements. Technical and economic limitations lead to non-negligible tramp element contents in the steel. Those can affect high-temperature oxidation mechanisms in casting, rolling and annealing processes, leading to various types of internal oxidation phenomena and the formation of (liquid) phases at the interface. Within the scope of the present publication, oxidation experiments for different steels containing tramp elements were performed by means of thermogravimetric analyses. The influence of several time-temperature cycles and atmospheres were analysed. Particularly noteworthy are the experiments with an oxidation atmosphere simultaneously consisting of synthetic air and water vapour. In the presence of water vapour, oxidation intensifies, leading to a higher accumulation and formation of metallic copper phases at the interface and along grain boundaries. The results provide meaningful data to improve the understanding of high-temperature oxidation mechanisms in steel processing with a particular focus on continuous casting and serve as a basis for further experiments.

Minjoo Lee, Hanyang University, Korea, Republic of

Co-Author:
Jongoh Jo, Hyundai Steel Co.
Joohyun Park, Hanyang University

Abstract:
In order to reduce CO2 gas emission, steel companies are trying to develop the EAF steelmaking process instead of BF(–BOF) route by employing high amounts of DRI/HBI. DRI/HBI as a substitute for virgin scrap in EAF have been used because DRI/HBI does not have tramp elements. Unfortunately, however, commercially available DRI contains a relatively high level of phosphorus, which adversely affects the properties of steels. Although the previous studies on melting and phosphorus removal behavior in an EAF process involving partial use of DRI/HBI in conjunction with virgin scrap have been studied, the melting and dephosphorization behavior in EAF process conditions employing the 100% DRI/HBI have been less frequently investigated. Hence, we observed the morphology and distribution of elements with gangue oxides in HBI and investigated the phenomena occurred in EAF process using fully HBI as an alternative iron source using a high-frequency induction furnace at 1550oC. Main composition on gangue oxide in HBI was SiO2, Al2O3, and CaO in conjunction with unreduced iron oxide. Various size distribution of SiO2-(Al2O3-CaO) particles were entrapped in reduced iron matrix as well as in unreduced iron oxide phase. Small amount of siliceous slag was formed when HBI was melted, thus, phosphorus content in steel was not varied during the melting stage. This is possibly due to the formation of relatively acidic slag chemistry. To increase the dephosphorization efficiency, the distribution ratio of phosphorus between metal and slag was calculated using FactSage software by adding CaO in the furnace. The distribution ratio of phosphorus increases by adding CaO up to about 50% beyond which the melting point of slag is over 1500oC. So, the optimization of CaO content in the slag are required not only for maximum dephosphorization efficiency with good foamability but also for minimum slag volume with less refractory corrosion.

Joar Huss, Swerim AB , Sweden

Co-Author:
Du Sichen, Hybrit Development AB
Niklas Kojola, Hybrit Development AB

Abstract:
Phosphate capacity data has been used by steelmakers for many decades to optimize the dephosphorization praxis in various reactors, e.g. the BOF and the EAF. The data is commonly gathered in a laboratory where the partial pressure of oxygen can differ significantly from the industry. The use of this data in the industrial case requires careful consideration. For slag systems containing multivalent slag species, e.g. Fe and Cr, the slag structure will be dependent on the valence state of the ions. This will lead to a variation in the thermochemical properties with the oxygen potential. For instance, the presence of Fe+2 and Fe3+ could lead to a substantial dependence of the phosphate capacity on the oxygen potential. To illustrate the effect of oxygen potential on the phosphate capacity, experiments were carried out in a resistance heated furnace at 1873K. In the experiments, vanadium oxide was used as the multivalent species, to limit the reaction with the crucible. The phosphorus partition between liquid copper and a fully liquid, MgO-saturated, SiO2-MgO-VyOx slag was determined at different oxygen potentials in a controlled atmosphere. To set oxygen potential in the system (1.72 × 10-8 – 1.73 × 10-11 atm), CO-CO2 mixtures were used. The resulting phosphate capacity change one order of magnitude over the investigated oxygen potential range. Based on the present results, the applicability of phosphate capacity data gathered at a different oxygen potential than the prevailing in an industrial process is questionable. In effect the data could even mislead the engineer in its implementation. This is especially the case considering that the oxygen potential in the reactor slag varies with position and even time. Using phosphate capacity data for the process should as such be done cautiously even if the data is gathered at a relevant oxygen potential.

Randall Stone, Valmet Automation Inc., United States

Co-Author:
John Lewis, Connors Industrials Inc.
Chuck Krcmaric, Connors Industrials Inc.
Tom Connors, Connors Industrials Inc.

Abstract:
The vacuum tank degassing process (VTD) is used by steel makers worldwide to produce steel grades that must meet stringent customer quality requirements. Balancing VTD productivity while achieving the proper vacuum treatment level is a challenge, especially for deep vacuum treatment (~ 1 Torr or 133 Pa). Maintaining the proper freeboard is an important process parameter. If the rate of gas evolution is too great, the steel can foam up and over the ladle lip causing an overflow event resulting in safety concerns and downtime for cleanup or maintenance. This paper will discuss implementation and operational results of specialized Infrared (IR) camera/lens technology coupled with IR imaging and process control software for VTD operations. The system provides a real time view of critical molten metal behavior, stirring intensity, freeboard, metal level and rate of rise during the VTD process thereby enabling control software to avoid an overflow event. The specialized IR camera/lens system provides a clear image of the ladle and molten metal undisturbed by flame and flare. This requires strategic placement of the lens tip within the vacuum chamber, maximizing survivability while not compromising the gas-tight seal required to achieve deep vacuum treatment conditions. The IR image processing is performed real time. This yields an accurate determination of the metal level with respect to the ladle lip. The rate of rise is measurable, enabling a prediction of an imminent overflow event. Thereby the operator is alerted to the situation in time for corrective actions to be taken. Computer model verification is achieved by comparing alarm predictions to actual overflow events. Adjustable settings tune the model’s sensitivity to the specific installation. Future work includes implementing closed loop control to avoid the overflow event.

Bernd Kleimt, VDEh-Betriebsforschungsinstitut GmbH, Germany

Co-Author:
Waldemar Krieger, VDEh-Betriebsforschungsinstitut GmbH
Diana Mier Vasallo, Sidenor Investigación y Desarrollo
Asier Arteaga Ayarza, Sidenor Investigación y Desarrollo
Inigo Unamuno Iriondo, Sidenor Aceros Especiales

Abstract:
The Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) for scrap-based steelmaking will play an important role in near future to realise the transition towards Green Steel production due to its more efficient use of resources, lower carbon emissions and inherent circularity compared to the iron ore-based steelmaking. This work presents a practical approach for a Decision Support System for the EAF with real-time heat state monitoring and control setpoint optimization which has been developed within the EU funded project REVaMP and applied at the EAF of Sidenor in Basauri, Spain. The system consists of a dynamic process model based on energy and mass balances, including thermodynamic calculations for the most important metallurgical reactions like dephosphorisation and decarburisation, and a scrap characterization and scrap mix optimisation tool to estimate the scrap properties, which are critical for reliable process performance and accurate online process control. The underlying process models and control functions were validated on the basis of historical production and measurement data of a large number of heats produced at the Sidenor plant. Also, the applied model parameters were fitted using this data to further increase the prediction accuracy and to account for influences, e.g. during melting, that are otherwise difficult to model precisely. The model calculations are adapted in real-time to the performed measurements and analysis values to make best use of the information available during EAF heat production. Particular attention is paid to the modelling of the dephosphorisation reaction and the end-point control of the phosphorus content, as this is a critical parameter for production of high-quality steel grades along the EAF process route. The developed tools for Decision Support are integrated within a web application to facilitate their utilization and to provide impactful support for the plant engineers and operators.

Ion Rusu, BM GROUP POLYTEC S.p.A., Italy

Abstract:
Depending on furnace, BF/BOF/AOD or EAF or LF/VD/VOD, a tailor made robotic cell can replace human operator in sampling and measurement operations. The fully automated solution is able to perform complex trajectory based on the space available and Repetitive and reliable tasks like measurement, sampling, automatic charging of cartridges from dispenser, precise bath level measurement using the robots coordinates, steel sample separation for the sample laboratory. A lances warehouse allows to easily manage the different tools. The robot for EAF sampling and measurement can also be equipped with a lance, developed by Tenova & Polytec, with a camera able to perform the internal inspection of the EAF furnace. In the refining area, the system is engineered for the process and the footprint available (LF/VOD/RH). It can perform multiple tasks like: temperature measurement, sampling, level measurement, hydrogen measurement.

Günther Winter, Primetals Technologies Germany, Germany

Co-Author:
Thomas Matschullat, Primetals Technologies Germany

Abstract:
"The Primetals Technologies Active Power Feeder utilzes a modern AC converter system combined with the Primetals Melt Expert control system philosophy. By incorporating a Modular AC Converter, it is able to control the furnace currents and output frequency and voltage and moreover draw balanced active power from the supplying Medium Voltage Grid in a very grid-friendly way. Set points for furnace current, frequency and arc voltage are automatically adjusted according to the operational situation and stability of arcing. The benefits on the grid side are a high reduction of flicker and harmonics and a cos phi close to 1. No separate compensation systems are required and additional power consumers like a ladle furnace will be compensated as well. The benefits on the furnace process side are a stabilized arc and controlled furnace currents. The reduced current fluctuations allow to increase the arc voltage, power input into the furnace and ultimately reduce the power-on time in the melting phase. Controlled currents and avoiding overcurrent situations reduce the stress and wear for the operational equipment and result in reduced electrode consumption. Furnace operation with low output frequency reduce the feeding losses and increase the efficiency in the flatbath pase. The operation with Primetals Technologies Active Power Feeder does not require a furnace circuit breaker to interrupt the power input and does not require primary side reactors to stabilize the arc."

Hans Georg Conrads, PROMECON process measurement control GmbH, Germany

Abstract:
An often-neglected process step in electric steelmaking is the monitoring of the off-gases from the electric arc furnace, although such monitoring brings enormous potential for process optimization. Precise knowledge of the gas flow and the CO2/CO ratio enables plant operators to control the melting process sustainably and efficiently. PROMECON developed a non-extractive, real-time, and drift-free measurement method that makes exhaust gas analysis at the electric arc furnace easy. The digital measuring system determines the measured values in real time and thus enables very short reaction times for process control. The consequences are high savings in energy, fewer faulty batches, and higher steel quality. Learn how you too can drastically reduce the power consumption of your melting process.

Mansour Alharbi, SABIC, Saudi Arabia

Co-Author:
Chermak Edrisse, SABIC
Ahmad Pasha Farhan, SABIC
Tarek J. Jamaleddine, SABIC
Turki Alrasi, SABIC
Neeraj Tewari, SABIC

Abstract:
The electric arc furnace (EAF) based steelmaking process utilizes DRI and/or scrap as raw material and electricity as an energy source. Usually, the DRI /molten Iron has a high amount of carbon content, up to 4%. Therefore, carbon removal (decarburized) is one of the prime interests of the steel industry. In usual practice, an electric arc furnace uses an oxygen jet from the top, which performs decarburization and results in the formation of CO bubbles. Furnace bottom stirring is driving the bath homogeneity and maximizes the decarburization rate. The high-level quantum chemical energetics and chemical kinetics calculations confirm that, soft oxidant CO2 reacts with carbon presents in molten steel but at a slower speed than O2. Therefore, co-feeding CO2 in mixture with the Oxygen stream from the top side will not contribute to the objective of the process decarburization rate/efficiency enhancement due to reaction selectivity towards O2 rather than CO2. Nevertheless, introducing an optimal quantity of CO2 to substitute and/or replace bottom-stirring Argon/Nitrogen gas should enhance the process performance. Therefore, introducing CO2 gas from the bottom considering the absent of Oxygen at this zone as a replacement or partial replacement of N2/Ar would start decarburization at early stage when it is challenging to provide sufficient significant amount of oxygen from the top. Density functional theory (DFT) based thermodynamic and kinetic used to evaluate the potential advantage using CO2 in bath stirring and its impact on overall decarburization. The high-level Thermodynamics and Kinetics calculations have been performed manually using Quantum chemical calculations within the framework of DFT based the first principle formalism. The molecular level calculation was performed using molecular DFT however, for solid-state calculation; a plane wave DFT approach has been used. In the current setup of steel making process there are multiple competitive reactions occurs within the steel bath. The CO2 injection into steel bath will initiate several other reactions besides decarburization. In this study a comprehensive investigation of thermodynamics and kinetics profiles of all the possible reactions at the operating temperature of the furnace (~ 1600˚C) helps, understand the feasibility of CO2 injection into steel bath, Thermodynamic and kinetic profiling of all reactions using Gibbs free energy to understand the competitive feasibility of different reactions. Thus, based on comparison of energetics of the most significant reactions in the steel bath, introducing CO2 from the bottom in combination with stirring gas shall have positive impact on overall decarburization rate of molten steel bath.

Lidong Teng, ABB AB, Sweden

Co-Author:
Giovanni Arvedi, Acciaieria Arvedi S.p.A.
Andrea T. Bianchi, Acciaieria Arvedi S.p.A.
Hongliang Yang, ABB AB
Zaeim Mehraban, ABB AB
Andrea Grasselli, Tenova S.p.A.

Abstract:
An electromagnetic stirrer (EMS) has been installed for the first time on a jumbo Consteel® furnace at Acciaieria Arvedi, Cremona, Italy. The dedicated arc furnace for the ‘Arvedi ESP’ casting and rolling mill line has a record-breaking productivity of 412 ton/hour with a tapping weight of 300 metric tons plus a 150-ton hot heel, a power-on time of 37 minutes, and a charge mix including up to fifty percent scrap surrogates such as Pig Iron and Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI). The effect of electromagnetic stirring (EMS) on bath temperature homogenization, melt velocity, stirring power, temperature gradient during arc power-on, and heat transfer from arcs through liquid metal to scrap in the Arvedi Consteel® furnace has been investigated via numerical modelling, water modelling, and industrial performance tests. The stirring force of EMS in the melt is simulated using Dassault Opera and exported to Ansys Fluent to carry out the CFD simulations. Both arc heating effect and scrap charging zone have been included in the CFD models. Simulation results show that temperature homogenization time decreases with increased stirring power, temperature gradient between furnace bottom and surface during arc power-on is reduced from 176 oC without EMS to 37 oC with 100% EMS power, and heat flux transferred to the scrap with 100% EMS power is 2-3 times higher than without EMS. Industrial test results show that EMS increases arc heating efficiency and scrap/HBI/pig iron melting rate, reduces electric energy consumption, power-on time and oxygen content in the steel, and also increases productivity and scrap yield. This successful industrial case provides a solid reference for the future prospects of modernizing/transforming steel plants to achieve net zero emissions. Keywords: Electromagnetic stirring (EMS, ArcSave®, Consteerrer®); CFD simulation; Consteel® furnace; Arvedi; Electric arc furnace (EAF); Energy efficiency; Sustainability.

Piero Frittella, Feralpi Group, Italy

Co-Author:
L. Angelini, Feralpi Group
A. Landini, Feralpi Group
G. Foglio, Acciaierie di Calvisano
C. Di Cecca, Feralpi Group
M. Tellaroli, Feralpi Group
G. Tsymokh, Feralpi Group
B. Cinquegrana, Feralpi Group
F. Fredi, Feralpi Group
M. Bersani, Acciaierie di Calvisano
C. Senes, Acciaierie di Calvisano
F. Guerra, Acciaierie di Calvisano
G. Miglietta, Acciaierie di Calvisano
V. Duro, Acciaierie di Calvisano
A. Ventura, Rina Consulting – Centro Sviluppo Materiali S.p.A
D. Ressegotti, Rina Consulting – Centro Sviluppo Materiali S.p.A
F. Morandini, Feralpi Group

Abstract:
In modern steel productions the necessity to improve process performances became more and more a relevant target for both improvement of single product production in terms of quality and costs and also to enable variation in production scheduling thanks a flexible assessment of operating practices adopted. To enable the improvement on this approach a deeper understanding of the process phenomena occurring during the production is necessary to be able to understand which actions are necessary to improve the effectiveness of the reactions and heat transfer. For this reason the approach followed in Feralpi included different steps passing through development of modeling for the different process phases, implementing these modelling in off-line prediction model and online process control and including capability to describe process guidelines as support to the operators during the production. In particular these have been realized for the three main process steps EAF, LF and Continuous casting in order to be able to modify operating practices thanks to prediction model and to support the on-line process control thanks to derived trends KPI’s, in particular for both sites of Feralpi Siderurgica and Acciaierie di Calvisano. Furthermore a through process view is necessary to respect the process/quality constraints aiming at improvement of performances and productivity. Acciaierie di Calvisano and Feralpi Siderurgica strongly address its productions developments with adoption of new technologies and solutions Industry 4.0 for data analysis and process control also supported by RFCS funding scheme in the funding R&D projects. With the contribution of the R&D department, process technology, production areas and research partners, in Feralpi predictive mathematical models have been created for production phases and whole steelmaking process. This has been done internally in order to be able to better setup the optimal operating practices for each process phases.

Christian Koubek, Primetals Technologies Austria, Austria

Co-Author:
Richard Krump, Primetals Technologies Austria
Christoph Sedivy, Primetals Technologies Austria

Abstract:
"Melting steel has always been a challenging process. There has been a lot of development in automating this process in the past decades. However, most EAF steel is still produced using static melting profiles. Those profiles treat all the heats the same and are ignoring regular fluctuations. Fluctuations come from charged material eg scrap quality, alloying material, DRI/HBI quality as well as stability of electrical supply. Both have influence on the production results. For example, deviation in scrap or DRI/HBI quality or variation in primary voltage from the grid. The next level of process control is monitoring these variations and their impacts and applying countermeasures for process optimization and minimizing energy consumption. Sophisticated electrode control systems already have a huge amount of information, but typically this has not been used for process improvement. Recent developments combining the information already available are providing intelligent process derived strategies bringing a new level of process optimization. Integrating these improvements into the electrode control system enables the precise control of the electrical and chemical power input according to the current process needs. As a result, the fluctuations of the consumption figures and power on times will be minimized leading to greater production efficiency and reduced costs. The idea and implementation of such strategies as well as results achieved will be shown in this paper. "

Jiho Jeon, Hyundai Steel Co., Korea, Republic of

Co-Author:
Wongyeom Kim, Hyundai Steel Co.
Wonjin Choi, Hyundai Steel Co.
Honggil Moon, Hyundai Steel Co.

Abstract:
Vaccum degassing (VD) of steel melts during ladle treatment is an important process for removal and control of detrimental impurity elements. In order to complete homogenization and refining of molten steel in a short time, the molten steel is stirred by Ar gas injection from bottom of ladle during VD process. In the present study, a vibration-based monitoring system for gas injection was applied to consistently control the stirring intensity of volumetric Ar gas injection during VD process because various operation conditions in ladle affect the flow rate of Ar gas injection. The vibration energy generated by gas injection in the molten steel during VD process was measured on the wall of vessel in vacuum tank degasser. The vibration-based monitoring system was optimized by the various plant trials observing consistency of composition in the molten steel. The plant trials during VD process showed that the increase in stirring intensity enhances the removal rate of impurities and homogenization of molten steel in the ladle.

Martin Dimmer, Celsa Steel UK, United Kingdom

Abstract:
Celsa group and Celsa UK are a recognized leader in scrap recycling and in sustainability. The scrap recycling paves the way to EAF slag-making process challenges due to scrap quality volatility in general and to Al2O3 slag content management in particular. Together Celsa UK and Lhoist implemented a cost-efficient slag making process managing the inconvenience of High and variable Al2O3 content of the EAF slag. The key lever was introducing dolime as a MgO source input to control and regulate the slag viscosity. Based on theoretical approach and calculations, a Al2O3 and MgO management of the EAF slag-making process was defined. This process was implemented and tested industrially at Celsa UK bringing positive impacts on material recovery, refractory wear, energy yield, CO2 emission intensity in particular. This paper will describe the theoretical approach and calculations as well as will present and discuss the industrial results of the new EAF slag-making management at Celsa UK leading to a more sustainable and cost efficient EAF process.

Roberto Treviño, AMI Automation, Mexico

Abstract:
Being the cost of Scrap the highest cost by far in Steel Melting, there are not that many systems and tools that help manage and use the Scrap in an optimum way. In this paper, we will describe the areas of opportunity around Scrap Management that helps melt a Heat at the lowest cost of Scrap possible. These areas include AI tools, the planning of the consumption as well as the acquisition of Scrap, the accurate account of Scrap movements once on site, and the optimized use of the equipment moving Scrap. All these applications help with big savings for most of the current operations managing Scrap.

Anna Mayrhofer, Primetals Technologies Austria, Austria

Co-Author:
Helmuth Aflenzer, Primetals Technologies Austria
Thomas Reindl, Primetals Technologies Austria

Abstract:
"The wide variation in the charged materials is the greatest unknown in the operation of electric arc furnaces. This circumstance makes the optimized operation of the furnace very difficult, especially when static profiles are used to control the process. The use of intelligent sensors and advanced process models enables a reaction to the actual situation in the furnace and thus advanced dynamic process operation. The paper shows the advantages of a dynamic process control for an electric arc furnace: An optimized operation can be reached regarding use of raw materials, electrical energy, process gases and the reduction of the CO2 footprint."

Matti Aula, Outokumpu Stainless, Finland

Abstract:
High amount of refractory materials are consumed in steelmaking due to high processing temperatures. Refractory materials typically contain MgO, which is also an important slag former in electric arc furnace (EAF). A normal EAF practice is to operate with slag composition close to MgO saturation limit to decrease the potential of the slag to dissolve MgO-containing refractories. One method to provide MgO to the slag is to charge crushed spent refractory bricks to EAF. The most important parameter in utilization of bricks is the dissolution speed of the crushed bricks. If the recycled bricks do not dissolve fast enough to slag, the liquid part of the slag is not saturated with MgO and the refractory wear is increased. In this work the dissolution of three spent refractories of different grain sizes are tested in chamber furnace containing a magnesia brick as a crucible. The starting slag is synthetic slag similar in composition to EAF slag obtained in stainless steel production prior the MgO dissolution. In the trials different spent refractories are added to the synthetic slag mix to provide MgO. The holding time and temperature is set to obtain MgO saturation of slag when no sources of MgO are used in the original mix. The slag samples obtained from the chamber furnace are analyzed with x-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) to obtain the overall composition and with scanning electron microscope (SEM) to acquire qualitative estimate of the presence of undissolved refractories in the slag. The change of total MgO content of the slag with different MgO sources is evaluated to obtain the estimate of the amount of undissolved spent refractory.

Axel Boeke, Vallourec, Brazil

Co-Author:
Savia Cristina Lacerda Poubel Pinheiro, Vallourec
Pedro Augusto Machado, Vallourec
Diego Bruno Santiago, Vallourec
Anderson José Santos, Vallourec
Axel Boeke, Vallourec

Abstract:
The better EAF refractory performance can be achieved combining refractory materials and practices, metallurgy process parameters and proper slag composition. These 3 factors are well known as the success key for Steel Shop productions. Vallourec Brazil Steelmaking (VSB) counts on a very singular Consteel EAF which uses Hot Metal supplied by a Charcoal Blast Furnace. Nowadays, the Steel Shop is operating in 2 main recipes, which means with and without Hot Metal in the charge. So that, the attention to have an adequate slag chemical composition is in the routine bases for process feedback and control. Particularly, slag saturation and basicity had been more studied in this work guiding actions aiming to evaluate this control and benefits in the EAF refractory lifetime. The taken actions were defined and slag composition was evaluated using quaternary oxide system of MgO-CaO-FeO-SiO2, also analyzing the dual (saturated with CaO and MgO) and MgO saturated EAF slag chemistry comparing the base and period of trials indicated an effect increasing the refractory lifetime.

Antonios Skarlatos, DANGO & DIENENTHAL, Germany

Abstract:
Nearly 300 SAM Series skimming machines have been installed in steelworks around the world, proving their worth every day under harsh operating conditions. These machines increase the yield of pure steel thanks to the precisely controlled movement of the skimming plate, which only removes the slag from the melt, leaving the liquid steel in the ladle. The maximum skimming force is 50 kN, the maximum range 9,500 mm. Even the basic machine gives operators the option of maintaining a constant immersion depth with a horizontal skimming boom. With the newly developed automated deslagging option, the slag skimming machine can perform a variety of programmed movement sequences. To execute these sequences, the skimming plate is moved parallel to the bath level at the desired immersion depth. Operators can select the distance to the ladle’s inner wall. The skimming plate also is lifted in the front area of the ladle to remove the slag via the spout in a collision-free process. Once the ladle has been placed in the ladle tilter and tilted until the slag begins to flow out of the pouring spout, the automated process can begin. Two skimming patterns can be chosen to process the entire bath surface: a “circular” or a “radial” pattern. The distance between the individual tracks depends on the degree of overlap. The entire bath surface can be processed repeatedly, and the patterns combined at will until only individual slag islands remain on the metal bath surface. These are then removed through a targeted selection of individual sectors. The deslagging process ends when the bath surface is free of slag and the ladle tilter has been tilted back to its basic position.