Recently, ArcelorMittal Dofasco was named a finalist in World Steel’s 5th annual Steelie Awards in the Innovation of the Year Category. This nod is in recognition of a one of a kind automated “spreader beam” in the Electric Arc Furnace. The Steelie winners will be announced at the annual dinner of the 48th worldsteel conference in Moscow today. A win would mark back to back Steelie’s for the category, as the company won in 2013 for automation in the KOBM steelmaking stream.

This year’s award is in recognition of the world’s only, automated variable width spreader beam which adjusts to accommodate both scrap bucket and hot metal ladle widths in the Electric Arc Furnace. The solution means that the beam can be remote controlled to accommodate either size, which provides speed and efficiency in switching between scrap and hot metal charging in the furnace. The automation took a 7-minute changeover down to 50 seconds, adding the potential for an extra heat of steel per day at the facility.

Due to the extreme temperatures of the hot metal ladles, the solution required the development of an innovative heat shield to protect the gear assemblies on the automated beam, as well as a dedicated drive for each hook. The team also incorporated modular drive systems to allow for their quick change out.

Worldsteel’s prestigious Steelie Innovation of the Year award recognizes the most innovative nomination for technical improvement or environment mitigation among the organizations 170 member companies. Nominations are sought through the worldsteel technology committee and judged by the technology committee steering committee.

Learn more about the Steelies at worldsteel.org