University of Bath embarks on project to ‘revolutionise’ UK steel production

Induction tomography imaging system to be developed to monitor steel solidification

A tomography imaging device to be used during steel production has received the go ahead for development, with hopes that the mechanism will help to improve the quality, safety, efficiency and cost of steel production in the EU.

Dr Manuch Soleimani, associate professor at the University of Bath’s Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, will lead a team from Fundacion Tecnalia Research and Innovation in Spain and Italian companies Ferriere Nord and Ergolines Lab, to build the device, which will be used to assess the solidification of metal during the casting process. 

Induction tomography is a method used to visualise the electromagnetic properties of an object. This device will be placed around a vessel of molten steel without making contact, to continuously measure the electrical conductivity of the material as it sets. It should provide an image of the structural composition of the steel as it cools.

The ‘Shell-Thick’ project will take three years to complete and is being funded through an EU Horizon 2020 grant. With steel manufacturing in the EU facing stiff competition from China and the UK struggling with the threatened closure of Tata Steel in Port Talbort, which could lead to thousands losing their jobs, the developers anticipate that the project will revolutionise steel manufacturing procedures and enable the European industry to become more sustainable and competitive.

Soleimani said: “We are delighted to play a critical part in this project by using world-leading techniques in our Engineering Tomography Lab, in the area of electromagnetic imaging.

“This is an exciting and yet very challenging project that will have a great impact in helping in the competitive production of high quality steel, which is very important for the sustainable future of the UK and European steel industry.”