MMK introduces digital twin in blast furnace shop

Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works (MMK) has begun operating a digital twin for the upper part of blast furnace No. 1, which provides automated recommendations for adjusting the smelting process.

The innovative solution was developed and integrated to reduce the consumption of fuel and other energy resources – in particular, coke, which is essential for pig iron production.

Based on data concerning the proportioning, transportation and loading of iron ore and coke into the blast furnace, the digital twin performs a mathematical simulation of the technological processes involved in the movement of charge material through the conveyor, the hopper and bell (the upper part of the blast furnace) and inside the blast furnace in light of its physical and chemical properties. As a result of the simulation, the system produces recommendations for the optimal loading of charge material that are transferred online to the blast furnace operator.

The use of a digital twin helps determine the optimal distribution of burden in the hopper and bell and inside the blast furnace, which results in a decrease in the specific consumption of coke in the amount of 1.0 kilogram per tonne of pig iron.

MMK developed and integrated the digital twin for the upper part of the blast furnace as part of its Digitalisation Strategy.