In 2007, Dynamic Soft Reduction (DSR) technology began to be widely promoted in steel plants across China. However, the calculation of the final solidification position was affected by various factors, including secondary cooling water distribution, flow rate, steel grade, and casting section size. As a result, significant deviations existed between the calculated position and the actual position, limiting the effectiveness of dynamic soft reduction applications.

Due to the unique characteristics of continuous casting slabs, it was impossible to verify model accuracy through online cutting and inspection. Model correction could only be achieved through offline nail-shooting tests.

If a method could be developed to detect the position of the liquid core at the final solidification point online and in real time, it would have a profound impact on soft reduction systems and electromagnetic stirring technology at the end of the casting process.

Electromagnetic Ultrasonic Technology works by using electromagnetic sensors installed on the cast slab to transmit electromagnetic waves. After passing through the solidified shell and molten steel inside the slab, the electromagnetic waves generate different feedback signals. By analyzing these signals, the shape and position of the liquid core at the final solidification point can be determined.

With its expertise in sensor detection technology, RAMON quickly identified the potential of this technology and decided to develop this unprecedented solution.

Professor Tian Zhiheng from RAMON proposed an innovative sensor structure design and creatively introduced a “mushroom-shaped” structure. This breakthrough enabled the sensor to maintain a lift-off distance of more than 5 mm and penetrate steel slabs with thicknesses exceeding 300 mm.

This technology remains internationally leading even today.

After the project team was established, research and experimental work began immediately.

At the early stage of development, the team lacked professional equipment, specialized components, and relevant experience. However, the members did not retreat. Instead, they devoted themselves to the project with enthusiasm and determination.

Field experiments continued from October to December 2007, but no ultrasonic echo signals from the cast slab were detected during this period.

Despite the challenges, the team remained united, continuously exploring new ideas and approaches.

Persistence eventually brought results. At the end of December 2007, the team achieved a breakthrough by successfully detecting weak ultrasonic echo signals from the cast slab. This milestone greatly encouraged the entire project team.

After countless experiments and technical optimizations, the project team successfully achieved online, non-contact detection of the final solidification position of cast slabs with surface temperatures reaching up to 1000℃.

The system achieved a detection accuracy of ±300 mm, supported cast slabs with a maximum thickness of 400 mm, and successfully realized integration with the Dynamic Soft Reduction control system.

In 2013, RAMON successfully implemented its Electromagnetic Ultrasonic Liquid Core Measurement System and Dynamic Soft Reduction Control System at Liuzhou Iron & Steel Group.

Currently, RAMON remains the only company worldwide that has achieved successful industrial application of this technology.

Telling Our Story

Zhang Zhiwei, Director of Liuzhou Iron & Steel Converter Plant:

Liuzhou Iron & Steel has applied RAMON’s electromagnetic ultrasonic measurement system and other products, achieving remarkable results. Congratulations to RAMON, and we wish the company continued success and greater achievements in the future!