Robot improves safety during the casting process at a Thai steelworks

The Thai steel producer Siam Yamato Steel has installed a new robotic concept at its steelworks in Map Ta Phut. The robotic solution for continuous casting lines was developed by Primetals using a new approach to the safe and efficient handling of the shadow tube.

The robot is used to handle the shadow pipes on Siam Yamato Steel’s pre-block continuous casting line, with a 3D camera system ensuring precise positioning. Thanks to the robotic solution, safety and health and safety conditions at the steelworks have improved significantly. Previously, workers operating the shadow pipe manually had to stand directly next to the distributor and the stream of steel flowing from the ladle. In the event of a so-called ‘frozen ladle’, i.e. when the liquid steel in the ladle solidified unexpectedly, the operators also had to move even closer to the ladle gate in order to manually cut it free using an oxygen lance, as reported by Primetals.
The new concept consists of a standard ladle manipulator. The robot uses the shadow pipe at the interface to guide it into the correct position and connect it correctly. According to the manufacturer, the LiquiRob robot system carries out several hazardous tasks, including the use of the oxygen lance, measurements and sampling from the distributor, and the feeding of powder into the distributor.
The area near the robot is enclosed by a fence, and doors with automatic safety locks secure the surroundings before the robot system goes into operation.
Source: Primetals