Miguel A. Ojeda Medina
Ternium Mexico
This summer, I had the privilege of completing an engineering internship at Ternium México within the Direct Reduction Department at Planta Guerrero. My primary project focused on analyzing and mitigating material agglomeration and flow obstructions in the charging hoppers prior to entering the direct reduction reactor, aiming to contribute to a smoother and more stable feed line for the overall process.
To process and evaluate plant operational data, I utilized computational tools such as Excel and Python, combined with a comprehensive review of technical literature regarding granular material flow dynamics, hopper discharge behavior and material handling systems. I supplemented this analytical foundation with insights gathered from internal operational manuals and close technical consultations with experienced operators and process engineers on the floor.
Throughout my internship, I gained firsthand exposure to the operational complexity of a large-scale steelmaking facility from overall organizational strategy to how operations, maintenance and process engineering teams collaborate daily. I developed a deeper understanding of key performance indicators, root-cause analysis for operational deviations and the systematic implementation of corrective actions to maintain continuous process efficiency and stability.
Working closely alongside the process engineering and operations teams significantly expanded my knowledge of ironmaking technologies and direct reduction processes. Beyond technical development, the most rewarding aspect of this experience was witnessing large-scale industrial operations up close while realizing the critical importance of workplace safety, effective cross-departmental communication and data-driven decision-making in the modern steel industry.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my industry mentor, Ing. Carlos Alberto Rangel L.; the entire Direct Reduction team at Ternium; my academic advisor, Dr. Héctor Javier Vergara Hernández, for his continuous guidance and support; and the AIST Foundation for granting me the Steel Intern Scholarship.