Tuesday, 3 October 2023
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7 a.m.
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Registration and Breakfast
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8 a.m.
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Keynote Presentation
Gilbert Hutton, CMC Steel Arizona
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8:30 a.m.
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Introductions
Jimmy Barrett, Allied Mineral Products Inc.
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8:45 a.m.
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Raw Materials, Bricks and Shapes, Monolithics
Ruth Engel, Refractory Consulting Services
The seminar will start by discussing the raw materials used in the manufacture of refractories, why they are used, their availability and expected characteristics. These raw materials will be combined to make bricks/shapes, and their effect on physical properties will be discussed. This discussion will be extended to castables, where additional parameters such as installation and dry-out will be presented.
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9:45 a.m.
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Break
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10 a.m.
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Brick Manufacturing
Korey Skala, HWI, A Member of Calderys
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10:45 a.m.
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Break
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11 a.m.
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Ladle Construction Design and Insulation
Rob Doty, IMACRO Inc.
This presentation features a wide-ranging discussion about the many options in ladle refractory design. The basics of heat transfer will then be covered, from molten steel through layers of refractories to the steel ladle shell, followed by insulation choices, how they affect ladle shell temperatures, and refractory expansion dynamics.
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Noon
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Lunch
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1 p.m.
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Ladle Pre-Heat and Handling
Rafael Bruch, Gerdau Long Steel North America Midlothian Mill
Steel ladles will be covered in detail, including pre-heating, refractory wear mechanisms and measuring options.
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1:45 p.m.
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Break
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2 p.m.
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Ladle Free Opens
Xin Zhang, Cleveland-Cliffs Indiana Harbor
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2:45 p.m.
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Break
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3 p.m.
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Ladle Stirring Application and Procedures
John Springer and Jeremiah Brandon, Vesuvius
This presentation will discuss ladle stirring applications based on customer procedures. It will review the different types of plugs and mechanical support systems used throughout the USMCA region, and will trouble-shoot common issues when it comes to the installation, run processing and removal of ladle stirring refractory.
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4-5:30 p.m.
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Panel Discussion and Reception
Moderator: Jimmy Barrett, Allied Mineral Products Inc
Panelists: Rafael Bruch, Gerdau Long Steel North America Midlothian Mill, and Abhishek Bhansali, Nucor Steel–Berkeley
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Wednesday, 4 October 2023
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7 a.m.
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Breakfast
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8 a.m.
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Secondary Steelmaking Process — LMF
Abhishek Bhansali, Nucor Steel–Berkeley
This presentation provides an overview of the fundamental metallurgical processes and operational aspects involved in secondary steelmaking, with a specific emphasis on the ladle metallurgy furnace. Additionally, it addresses the practical challenges that arise during these processes. The presentation then delves into the impact of slags on refractory wear. Finally, the presentation concludes by discussing the significance of steel cleanliness and calcium treatment.
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9 a.m.
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Ladle Breakout Failure Investigation
Dave Ehrhart, RHI Magnesita
This presentation will discuss investigation strategies for ladle and slidegate failure and offer insight on potential root causes.
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9:30 a.m.
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Break
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9:45 a.m.
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Refractory Materials Testing
Rakesh Dhaka, U. S. Steel Research and Technology Center
This presentation will provide information on how to select refractory materials, their testing methods and the impact of properties on performance.
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10:45 a.m.
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Break
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11 a.m.
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Ladle Thermal Imaging
John Lewis, Connors Industrials Inc.
Systems measuring slag from tap, ladle refractory at tap, ladle metallurgy furnace argon surface plum and rate of meniscus rise in vacuum tank degasser–supporting ladles.
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11:30 a.m.
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Laser Technology to Measure Refractory Wear
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Noon
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Lunch
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1 p.m.
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Laser Technology to Measure Refractory Wear
Sean Guy, Process Metrix LLC
The presentation will center around laser technology to measure refractory wear in steelmaking vessels. This technology can help steelmakers utilize their vessels more efficiently, safely push them longer and help guide their refractory practices
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1:45 p.m.
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Break
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2 p.m.
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Tundish Refractory
Fred Adkins, HarbisonWalker International
This presentation will cover the refractory design and components of the different layers within tundish refractory systems. The design and functionality of tundish flow modifiers will also be discussed.
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3:15 p.m.
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Break
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3:30 p.m.
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Flow Control Products
Josh Kaser, RHI Magnesita
This presentation will explain the uses and applications of isostatic refractories as they are used at the caster
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4:15 p.m.
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EAF Refractories Panel Discussion
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5 p.m.
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Adjourn
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Thursday, 5 October 2023
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7 a.m.
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Breakfast
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8 a.m.
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Plant Tour of CMC Steel Arizona
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Noon
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Return From Plant Tour and Adjourn
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