iBOF®

Tenova's iBOF®,"intelligent Basic Oxygen Furnace", is breakthrough technology that combines highly reliable off-gas analysis, novel sensors & process models to provide an unparalleled level of control & efficiency.

iBOF® is a modular technology that can be customized to meet the specific needs of each BOF steel making plant by employing a combination of several technologies:

End-point Detection Technology is based on the industry-proven EFSOP® off-gas analysis, off-gas sensors to measure temperature, flow and pressure and BOF process control models designed to enable a "Blow & Tap" practice without additional cost and delays associated with Sub-Lance Technology.

Slop Detection Technology uses lance vibration analysis with real-time alerts to give operators advance warning of the onset of a slop and a measurement of slop severity. The system is designed to provide direct feedback control of lance position and oxygen flow rate, for rapid mitigation of the effects of a slop.

Optimized Post-Combustion Technology uses EFSOP® off-gas analysis in combination with off-gas temperature, flow and pressure sensors and a dual-flow lance with independent control of primary and secondary oxygen to control oxygen flow-rate, penetration and timing. The result is optimal post-combustion efficiency and increased scrap-melting capability with minimal refractory or lance wear.

Auto-tapping Technology employs advanced image analysis together with process models to control tapping practice, in either an operator assist mode or a fully automatic mode. The benefits of this technology are decreased tap time and variability, reduced slag carry-over, and improved operator safety.

iBOF® technology delivers unprecedented value and an unparalleled level of customized control by employing a combination of reliable offgas analysis, novel sensors and process models linked by a comprehensive automation system

iBOF® is a modular solution available as a unified package or as standalone systems designed to meet specific customer needs.

iBOF® is a modular technology, available either as an integrated technology package or as independent standalone modules to meet the specific needs of each melt shop.

The technology consists of:

Module 1 - End-Point Detection

The innovative features of iBOF®, uses EFSOP® technology as the base, along with proprietary off-gas sensors to measure temperature, flow and pressure and BOF process control models that are designed to enable "Blow & Tap" practice without additional cost and delays associated with sub-lance technology.

Module 2 - Intelligent Slop Detection System (ISDS®)

A unique and proven technology that uses lance vibration analysis with real-time alerts to give operators advance warning of the onset of a slop and a measurement of the slop severity. It is designed to provide direct feedback control of lance position and oxygen flow rate for rapid mitigation of the effects of a slop.

Module 3 - Optimized Post-Combustion

iBOF® post-combustion uses EFSOP® off-gas analysis together with temperature, flow and pressure sensors and a dual-flow lance with independent control of primary and secondary oxygen to control secondary oxygen flow-rate, penetration and timing. The result is optimal post-combustion efficiency and scrap-melting capability with minimal refractory or lance wear.

Module 4 - Automatic Tapping Control

Through operator-assist mode or a fully automatic mode, iBOF® auto-tapping technology uses advanced image analysis together with process models to control tapping practice, resulting in decreased tap time and variability, reduced slag carry-over and ferroalloy and aluminum consumption.