A British engineer is developing an innovative induction tomography system for assessing the solidification process of metal.
Dr Manuch Soleimani from the University of Bath’s Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering says the new system will significantly improve the continuous casting process of steel by providing a real-time, non-destructive and reliable method of measuring the molten steel to detect any defects or fails as it solidifies and becomes a market product.
Induction tomography is a non-invasive imaging technique used in a number of applications including medical diagnostics, geophysical exploration and civil engineering.
The system Dr Soleimani is working on will form a kind of contactless bracelet around the billet of molten steel and take continuous measurements as the steel solidifies. It will visualise the electrical conductivity of the different states of the solidifying steel and therefore provide an image of the structural composition of the steel as it cools.
He says the project could be of great benefit to the European steel industry, which is currently in a desperate state and facing widespread job losses due to its inability to compete with the Chinese steel industry. Steelworks such as the Tata Steelworks at Port Talbot in Wales are currently in emergency talks to try to prevent the plant closing.
“We are delighted to play a critical part in this project by using world-leading techniques in our Engineering Tomography Lab, in the area of electromagnetic imaging," said Dr Soleimani.
“This is an exciting and yet very challenging project that will have a great impact in helping in the competitive production of high quality steel, which is very important for the sustainable future of the UK and European steel industry.”
Dr Manuch Soleimani demonstrates the principle of using induction tomography to monitor the quality of steel production. Photo: University of Bath