The Process Technology Operating Committee (PTOC) met at AISTech 2008 on May 5. The committee chair, Les Niemi of Affival Inc., welcomed both the PTOC and AISI Metallurgy committee members to the meeting and thanked them for participating. The AIST/AISI committee integration was discussed at length, with a number of potential issues being resolved. The new committee has been named the AIST Metallurgy — Steelmaking and Casting Technology Committee (MSCTC). Its focus will be on steelmaking technology at this time, but there will be an allowance for potential expansion into ironmaking technology in the future. The AISI Q&A database will still be available for solving various problems and answering questions of the members, and producer-only meetings will still be held. Due to time constraints, it was agreed that a smaller group would hold a conference call on May 14, 2008, to review/revise the mission statement, finalize the selection of 2008–2009 officers, and work out the venue for a fall meeting with a tour. During the conference call, it was agreed that the mission statement would read, “To advance the knowledge of the science, technology and metallurgy of primary processes, and as it applies to upstream processes and products. We shall achieve these goals by providing opportunities for publication, training and technology exchange through the interaction of metals producers, equipment suppliers and academia.” The committee leadership structure will consist of a papers chair, a vice chair and a chair, with the intent of alternating between producers and suppliers. The committee presented Mr. Niemi with a plaque for his exceptional service and dedication as committee chair for 2007–2008. The next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 15–16, 2008, and will take place near the North Star/Blue Scope facility in Delta, Ohio. Look for additional information online at www.aist.org.

May 7, 2007 - The Process Technology Operating Committee (PTOC) met in Indianapolis, Ind., on May 7, 2007 at the AISTech 2007 Conference. Jack Oakey of Praxair Inc. welcomed everyone to the meeting. The committee reviewed and approved its mission statement without modification: “To advance the knowledge of technology, as it applies to the process and automation, both within specific metals processes and as it applies to upstream and downstream metals processes. The Process Technology Operating Committee shall achieve these goals by providing opportunities for publication, training, technology exchange, and through the interaction of metals producers, metals equipment suppliers and members of academia.” New PTOC officers for 2007–2008 were elected: Les Niemi of Affival Inc. is the new chair, Mark Trapp of Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corp. is the new vice chair, and Ron O’Malley of Nucor Steel–Decatur is the new papers chair. The committee presented Mr. Oakey with a plaque showing their appreciation of his leadership and service to the committee.

June 14, 2006 - The Process Technology Operating Committee held a conference call meeting on June 14. The attending members nominated and approved a papers chair for the committee. The members also discussed session themes for their technical sessions for AISTech 2007. Potential themes are: degassing, alternative iron units, inclusion and precipitation modification technology, and alternative iron and steelmaking technologies. A representative provided an update regarding the committee’s participation in the Materials Science and Technology 2007 conference in Detroit. The committee also determined additional liaisons to other AIST Operating Committees. The liaisons will provide updates to the Process Technology Operating Committee regarding the activities and programs of the other committees.        

May 1, 2006 - The Process Technology Operating Committee congregated at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cleveland, Ohio, on May 1. Elections were held for the 2006–2007 committee officers. Volunteers were also appointed to act as liaisons to the following AIST Operating Committees and Technology Divisions: the Electric Steelmaking Operating Committee, the Oxygen Steelmaking Operating Committee, the Continuous Casting Operating Committee, the Ladle and Secondary Refining Operating Committee, the Rolling and Finishing Technology Division and the Process Metallurgy and Product Applications Technology Division.

September 26, 2005 - The Process Technology Operating Committee met in conjunction with MS&T’05 on Sept. 26 in Pittsburgh, Pa. The committee discussed more active solicitation and programming of sessions at MS&T and AISTech. Members reviewed and planned technical sessions for AISTech 2006. The meeting concluded with a tour of the Pittsburgh Brewing Co. Committee members were impressed with the process control used by the facility in their manufacturing process. The next committee meeting will be held at AISTech 2006 in May.

May 11, 2005 - The Process Technology Operating Committee congregated at the Charlotte Convention Center on May 11. Elections were held for 2005–2006 committee officers, and Chris Schade was nominated as Chair and unanimously approved by the committee. John Oakey was elected as Vice Chair, and Leslie Niemi was elected as Papers Chair. The committee reviewed some of the latest technologies in the steel industry and discussed methods to sponsor the topics in a public forum. The next Process Technology Operating Committee meeting will be held in September at MS&T ’05 in Pittsburgh, Pa.

September 15, 2004 - The Process Technology Operating Committee gathered on Sept. 15 at AISTech 2004. Committee members discussed potential synergies within the AIST organization and motioned to join AIST Technology Division VI, Process Metallurgy and Product Applications. The motion was carried and the Board of Directors approved the Operating Committee’s relocation from Technology Division VII, Process Automation, Control and Technology to Division VI. The members also discussed the focus and programming of the Process Technology Operating Committee. Several members agreed that the committee should take an active role in supporting academic papers. The committee will meet again to discuss the layout and programming for AISTech 2005.

July 26, 2004 - The Process Technology Operating Committee held their initial meeting via conference call on July 26. The members planned the development of the Operating Committee. Members then discussed the possibility of moving from Technology Division VII, Process Automation, Control and Technology to Division VI, Process Metallurgy and Product Applications, where they might have more synergy with other Operating Committees. The committee decided the best approach was to survey the members and present the results at the next committee meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 15 in Nashville, Tenn.