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June 2007
Vol. 4, No. 6
2007 AIST President Charles J. Messina

About the Cover

An Interview with Charles J. Messina: 2007 AIST President
Joann Cantrell

Charles J. Messina is vice president of Praxair Metals Technologies. Messina earned a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from the Florida Institute of Technology and an M.S. degree in process metallurgy from Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa. Messina began his career with U. S. Steel Corp. in research and operations and, after seven years, joined Praxair in 1983. He has held positions in market development, regional sales and steel technology applications while with Praxair.

Understanding the NFPA 70E Requirements for Personnel on Cranes
Ron Widup, executive vice president and general manager, Shermco Industries, Irving, Texas (rwidup@shermco.com)

The NFPA 70E provides guidance on meeting OSHA regulations regarding electrical safety. This article addresses shock approach boundaries, personal protective equipment recommendations and other aspects of ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Improved Lubrication System for Overhead Cranes
Brandon M. Collins, mechanical engineer; Alan J. Heckler, director of research and development; and Amy B. Minck, president, PhyMet Inc., Springboro, Ohio (bcollins@phymet.com, alheckler@phymet.com, aminck@phymet.com)

Inadequate lubrication of crane wheel flanges can lead to excessive wear and premature failure of the wheels. A new method of applying lubricant can significantly improve the lubrication of wheel flanges and increase the service life of the wheels.

Planning Concept for Logistics Solutions
Volker Brück, senior engineer — logistic systems and simulation, SIEMAG GmbH, Netphen, Germany (vbrueck@siemag.com)

SIEMAG has developed a conceptual guideline that can be used to find logistics solutions quickly and effectively. The concept provides for the use of technologies such as free navigating, automatic coil transports and pallet conveyors for hot coils.

Digital Drive Crane Hoist Conversion
Jody Van Kammen, electrician — crane repair, Severstal North America Inc., Dearborn, Mich. (jvankamm@severstalna.com)

Crane panel manufacturers designed a novel method of crane control that combines new technology with some of the oldest. The new crane panel resulted in lower costs, increased productivity and reduced wear on components, as well as energy savings.

Steel Mill Flooring — An Eight-year Case Study at Mittal IH7 Blast Furnace
Dave Quilter (left), manager — refractory systems, Pyrotek Inc., Canastota, N.Y. (davqui@pyrotek-inc.com), and Terry Kazmierczak (right), sales engineer, Pyrotek Inc., Canton, Ohio (terkaz@pyrotek-inc.com)

This article discusses one of the first thermal floor tile applications at Mittal Steel Indiana Harbor’s No. 7 blast furnace. A straightforward analysis of the project is presented.

Techno-economics on Integrated Automatic Packing and ASRS Modules for Steel Plants and Service Centers
Timo Aijo (left), senior vice president, Pesmel North America LLC, Ashland, Mass. (timo.aijo@pesmel.com); and Jagannathan Rajagopalan (right), senior consultant, Pesmel North America LLC, Plano, Texas (jagannathan.rajagopalan@pesmel.com)

An analysis of modern integrated packing methods is discussed, along with automatic storage/retrieval concepts for coils and sheets. Case studies highlighting techno-economic merits are also presented, with present and future benefits.