Showing papers by "Steel Authority of India published in 2020"

European Language Grid: An Overview

Abstract: With 24 official EU and many additional languages, multilingualism in Europe and an inclusive Digital Single Market can only be enabled through Language Technologies (LTs). European LT business is dominated by hundreds of SMEs and a few large players. Many are world-class, with technologies that outperform the global players. However, European LT business is also fragmented – by nation states, languages, verticals and sectors, significantly holding back its impact. The European Language Grid (ELG) project addresses this fragmentation by establishing the ELG as the primary platform for LT in Europe. The ELG is a scalable cloud platform, providing, in an easy-to-integrate way, access to hundreds of commercial and non-commercial LTs for all European languages, including running tools and services as well as data sets and resources. Once fully operational, it will enable the commercial and non-commercial European LT community to deposit and upload their technologies and data sets into the ELG, to deploy them through the grid, and to connect with other resources. The ELG will boost the Multilingual Digital Single Market towards a thriving European LT community, creating new jobs and opportunities. Furthermore, the ELG project organises two open calls for up to 20 pilot projects. It also sets up 32 national competence centres and the European LT Council for outreach and coordination purposes.

Ozenoxacin, a New Effective and Safe Topical Treatment for Impetigo in Children and Adolescents.

Abstract: Background: Ozenoxacin is a topical antibiotic approved in Europe to treat non-bullous impetigo in adults and children aged ≥6 months. This analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of ozenoxacin in paediatric patients by age group. Methods: Pooled data for patients aged 6 months to <18 years who had participated in a phase I or in two phase III clinical trials of ozenoxacin 1% cream were analysed by age group: 0.5–<2, 2–<6, 6–<12, and 12–<18 years. Results: The combined population comprised 529 patients with non-bullous impetigo treated with ozenoxacin (n = 239), vehicle (n = 201), or retapamulin as internal validation control (n = 89). Studies were well matched for extent and severity of impetigo and therapeutic schedule (twice daily application for 5 days). The clinical success rate after 5 days’ treatment (day 6–7, end of therapy), and microbiological success rates after 3–4 days’ treatment and at the end of therapy, were significantly higher with ozenoxacin than vehicle (p < 0.0001 for all comparisons). Clinical and bacterial eradication rates were higher with ozenoxacin than vehicle in each age group. No safety concerns were identified with ozenoxacin. One (0.3%) of 327 plasma samples exceeded the lower limit of quantification for ozenoxacin, but the low concentration indicated negligible systemic absorption. Conclusion: This combined analysis supports the efficacy and safety of ozenoxacin administered twice daily for 5 days. Ozenoxacin 1% cream is a new option to consider for treatment of non-bullous impetigo in children aged 6 months to <18 years.

Critical Success Factors of Sustainable Supply Chain Management and Organizational Performance: An Exploratory Study

Abstract: Indian organisations have started adopting sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) practices but their effectiveness and maturity depends on various factors such as external pressures and organisational internal environment. The research available, as on date, on the factors affecting the adoption of SSCM practices in Indian context is inadequate. This article presents a holistic view of the critical success factors (CSFs) impacting the SSCM process as well as the performance outcome. A conceptual model has been proposed which has been empirically tested by survey data collected from 145 industry practitioners through online and offline survey. The items for the survey were developed based on the literature and inputs received from industry experts. Using structural equation modelling (SEM) technique, the study finds that organisations’ internal environment is very positively associated with SSCM practices in the Indian steel sector. These findings can help the managers to create an awareness as well as favourable conditions within the organisation which facilitates the effective adoption of SSCM practices.

An evidence-based approach for setting desired state in a complex Great Barrier Reef seagrass ecosystem: A case study from Cleveland Bay

Abstract: Implementing management actions to achieve environmental outcomes requires defining and quantifying ecological targets, but this is a complex challenge, and there are few examples of how to quantitatively set them in complex dynamic marine ecosystems Here we develop a methodology to devise ‘desired state’ for tropical seagrasses in Cleveland Bay, northern Australia, in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area Analysis of diverse species assemblages was used to define seagrass communities as indicators of the region’s ecological value Multivariate regression trees assigned 8000 observations of species presence/absence and habitat characteristics from 2007 to 2017 into seven community types Generalised Linear Models were used to assess annual variation in above-ground biomass of each seagrass community Reference subsets of the data expressing high biomass and spatial extent were identified, and desired state was defined as the mean and 95% confidence intervals This approach rests on the assumption that seagrass resilience and its ecosystem services are met when the diverse seagrass communities reach desired state This method required a data set that spanned a range in seagrass conditions, but which may have been compromised by a history of pressures Our method for defining desired state provides evidence-based targets that can be used within an adaptive management framework that prioritises and implements management actions

Smart Social Distancing Solution Using Bluetooth® Low Energy

Abstract: Smart Social Distancing is one of the effective ways to break chain of contagion. Simply by isolating symptomatic people will not be enough for slowing down the virus like COVID19, many asymptomatic individuals carry virus and can infect others. Hence a cost effective and highly efficient solution is required which provide an alert when any two or more users come in close vicinity of each other which is lower than the permissible safe distance limit. This paper presents how ST BlueNRG-2 based device enables social distancing solution; the device generates an alert if the two or more devices are at lesser distance than safe distance limit (for example 2 meters or less). Two devices are advertising and scanning together to check if any other beacon is detected. Mathematical filters are applied to reduce the variation of RSSI observed, even when the devices are at fixed distance. The advertised data can be randomized to keep the communication secure and avoid spoofing. State machine for different modes were implemented which includes different Low Power Modes state for longer battery life and high probability detection mode.

The European Language Technology Landscape in 2020: Language-Centric and Human-Centric AI for Cross-Cultural Communication in Multilingual Europe

Abstract: Multilingualism is a cultural cornerstone of Europe and firmly anchored in the European treaties including full language equality. However, language barriers impacting business, cross-lingual and cross-cultural communication are still omnipresent. Language Technologies (LTs) are a powerful means to break down these barriers. While the last decade has seen various initiatives that created a multitude of approaches and technologies tailored to Europe’s specific needs, there is still an immense level of fragmentation. At the same time, AI has become an increasingly important concept in the European Information and Communication Technology area. For a few years now, AI – including many opportunities, synergies but also misconceptions – has been overshadowing every other topic. We present an overview of the European LT landscape, describing funding programmes, activities, actions and challenges in the different countries with regard to LT, including the current state of play in industry and the LT market. We present a brief overview of the main LT-related activities on the EU level in the last ten years and develop strategic guidance with regard to four key dimensions.

Uniaxial Ratcheting Behavior of a Weather-Resistant Rail Steel: Effect of Mean Stress and Stress Amplitude

Abstract: Uniaxial ratcheting behavior of a weather-resistant rail steel belonging to 60 kg/m 90-UTS variety was studied in true stress control mode with varying mean stress (σm) and stress amplitude (σa) at constant σa and σm, respectively. In all the loading conditions, the ratcheting strain (er) increased almost monotonically and accumulation of ratcheting strain was found to increase at higher magnitude of σm or σa, perhaps due to the increase in remnant dislocation density in the substructure of the investigated steel. After the initial sharp fall in ratcheting strain rate with elapsed cycles in all the cases, a constant ratcheting rate was attained very soon; thereafter, the ratcheting strain kept on accumulating in the specimen at this constant rate till the failure of the specimen occurred. It was quite interesting to see that on increasing the mean stress level at a fixed stress amplitude, after the initial decrease, fatigue life of the steel improved marginally owing to the effect of mean stress-induced hardening. In absolute contrast, under the influence of stress amplitude at a fixed mean stress, fatigue life of the rail steel deteriorated gradually but to a significant extent. Finally, stress amplitude was found to have more severe effect than that offered by the mean stress in terms of` ratcheting strain accumulation and fatigue life of the investigated rail steel.

Droplet oscillation mechanism and its free surface behavior on impacting a heated hydrophobic surface at low Weber numbers

Abstract: Oscillation mechanism and free surface behavior of micro-droplets (300, 400, and 500 µm in diameter), impinging on a dry, hydrophobic heated surface was investigated using the volume of flu...

Benzo[1, 2-b: 4, 5-b']dithiophene-based copolymers as panchromatic light sensors in organic photodiodes application

Abstract: Herein, we report a study on the performance of two well-known benzo [1,2-b:4,5-b']dithiophene (BDT) based donor-acceptor (D-A) copolymers for organic photodiode (OPD) application. Judicious material design motif via side-chain and acceptor unit alteration in both polymers resulted in the donor moieties namely, PBDTS-TDZ and PBDB-T, which were applied as active layers with fullerene derivative PC61BM in a bulk heterojunction OPD. Panchromatic light detection was afforded despite the molecular and structural changes in both polymers. Inverted OPD based on PBDB-T: PC61BM showed a comparatively broader photoresponse and better performance, with specific detectivity [EQE] of 3.749 × 1012 [62%] at a bias voltage of 2 V under red light illumination. This work entrenches the inter-dependent relationship existing between polymer structural design and their device performance for organic photodiode (OPD) application.

Enhancement of Properties of Micro-alloyed Low-Carbon Ni-Added Steel by Thermomechanical Treatment

Abstract: The concurrent use of micro-alloying additions and thermomechanical treatment is a common practice for obtaining high-quality grades of forged steels. Judicious use of chemistry, heat treatment schedule, and controlled processing can lead to a wide range of microstructure and thus final properties suitable for the production of different parts for the automobile industry. In this paper, thermomechanical treatment of Ni-added micro-alloyed steel containing Nb, V, Ti has been carried out with different deformation schedules (50-70%) at high temperatures followed by the varying cooling rate (i.e., forced air cooling, oil quenching, and water quenching). The cooling rates for three conditions were measured as 5 °C/s for forced air cooling, 40 °C/s for oil quenched, and 110 °C/s for water quenched samples. Thermomechanical and post-tempering treatment cycles were employed for the steel with 1150 and 900 °C as upper and lower forging temperatures. The best combination of properties viz; YS: 1044 MPa, UTS: 1308 MPa, % El: 16.7, %RA: 57 and Impact Toughness: 50 J/cm2 could be achieved for 70% deformed samples, followed by forced air cooling. The reasons have been attributed to the segregation of Ti & Nb carbides at grain boundaries as revealed by microstructural analysis. This has led to restriction of grain boundary coarsening at high temperatures. Further, fine vanadium carbide and the presence of retained austenite have contributed to improving the elongation and toughness values.

Multi-Factor Building Deformation Analysis and Prediction Model Based on Multi-Source Date

Abstract: . Normally, when using standard Kalman filter to analyze and predict the buildings deformation, the influence of a single factor is generally considered, or some factors are selected subjectively. In many cases, the objective influence of multiple effective factors on the model cannot be really considered, which adversely affects the accuracy of the model prediction and then affects the adaptability and prediction accuracy of the model. Aim at this problem, in this paper, we introduced grey relational analysis to determine the factor choice by calculating the grey relational grade of each impact factor. Then, we regarded the selected factors as state input vectors. Finally, we incorporated the state input vectors into model to establish grey relational Kalman filter model with considering multi-factors. In addition, we compared and analyzed the grey relational Kalman filter model with the stepwise regression model and BP neural network model that both can take into consideration the influence of multiple factors. The result of example analysis shows that the grey relational Kalman filter model can effectively select the factor which has great influence on deformation into the model as the state input vector during the modeling process, and the prediction accuracy of the recursive algorithm of standard Kalman filter is improved. Compared with the stepwise regression model and BP neural network model, the self-adaptability of the grey relational Kalman filter model is improved and the accuracy of the prediction results is also higher.

Analysis of Failure of a Chassis Long Member Manufactured from E-46 Grade Hot-Rolled Steel Coil

Abstract: In the present study, failure investigation was performed to find the root cause of the defects that occurred during bending operation for fabrication of a long chassis member. The component was manufactured from E-46 grade hot-rolled coil with ferrite–pearlite microstructure. Several longitudinal cracks were formed on one side of the outer bends of the long member. Detailed microstructural examination revealed occurrence of long unidirectional unbranched cracks with deposits and intermittent stringers of nonmetallic entrapments in the rolling direction. EDS analyses showed majority of these deposits and entrapments were FeO-rich manganese silicate associated with silicomanganese and ferromanganese alloy added to the molten steel for chemistry adjustment. Bending operation of the coil perpendicular to the rolling direction of steel sheet and orientation of the entrapments as well to cold form the chassis long member resulted in high degree of stress concentration around the entrapments. Finally, localized tearing of the outer surface layer of the bend at multiple locations occurred.

Effect of Microlithotype Maceral Distribution on Coke Quality

Abstract: The coking behavior of coal is an important facet in utilization of coal in metallurgy and in other industries. The carbonization behavior of coal mainly depends on coal rank, petrographic composition, ultimate composition and rheology of coal. Coal petrography has become very useful technique for establishment between formulation of coal blend composition and coke quality prediction. It is generally established that blend containing optimal reactives produces the coke of maximum strength. The coking properties of coal not depend only on the macerals composition, but also on the way in which the macerals are distributed among one another, forming preferential associations called microlithotypes. The measurements of relative proportion of microlithotypes are called microlithotype analysis. In present work, distribution of macerals (microlithotype) in coal samples were studied and correlated with the coke quality. Beneficiation by wet method were carried out (only indigenous coal) by washing media of specific gravity 1.30 to 1.40 to achieve <10% ash level. Coal microlithotypes plays an important role on coke quality. Bi-maceral and tri-macerals microlithotype distribution (vitrinertite and duroclarite and clarodurite) in coal samples act as a vital role for coke quality. Inter-growth of internite within vitrinite macerals has also significant role on coke quality. Therefore, the combined analysis of maceral and microlithotype distribution is important for coke quality. Distribution of bi-maceral and tri- maceral in coal improved coke quality (M40 and M10 indices). The microlithotype distribution measurement by petrography analysis gave considerable correlations with M40, M10, Coke Reactivity Index (CRI) and Coke Strength after Reaction (CSR) parameters. It gave details the adaptability of Indian coke quality in favor of macerals assemblages in coal.

Failure Analysis and Preventive Measure Proposition of Self-Flow Castable Blow Pipe of Blast Furnace Tuyere Stock for Enhancing Reliability

Abstract: In this present study, the failure incidents of self-flow castable blow pipe of high volume blast furnace tuyere stock have been critically investigated Based on failure analysis of failed blowpipes, possible preventive measures have been proposed High hot blast pressure has been found to be the condition for occurrence of blowpipe failure Hence, proper regulation of hot blast pressure is of utmost importance as a preventive measure To analyse the cause of failure, after installation of blowpipe, the shell temperature is measured on a daily basis It is observed that when the shell temperature crosses 350 °C, blowpipe jamming occurs According to preventive step proposition, if the temperature crosses 350 °C and attains 480 °C, the blowpipes are advised to be replaced for maintaining the operation of blast furnace This study has been done in high volume blast furnace where it is found that the impact of failure is immense with regard to productivity and safety It has also been found that the compendium of this investigation can be replicated in other high volume blast furnaces and can also be extended to any low volume blast furnace

Quenched and tempered high strength steel: A review

Abstract: Quenched and tempered steel are broadly classified as low alloy conventional grades with C content of 0.15-0.40% and tool steels with C content as high as 2% alloyed with strong carbide forming elements such as Cr, V, Mo etc. in the range of 1-12%. In both the cases, steels are used in hardened/quenched and tempered or auto tempered condition for improved toughness, strength and wear resistance. The C content and tempering temperature are optimized based on desired application. However, achieving high strength/hardness along with adequate toughness is a challenge. The chemistry design is one of the important parts of developing these grades. The judicious amount of hardenability elements like Mn, Cr, Mo, B etc. are added for achieving required as quenched hardness while excess addition of these elements will not be cost effective. Optimized austenite grain size before quenching is also key to achieve hardenability as well as toughness. All these points have been reviewed systematically in this paper for the first time as there is no such review available covering all aspect of quenched and tempered grade. Unlike text books or any past review articles, this is a systematic review of quenched and tempered steel which will help in designing suitable chemistry and process parameters for producing different grades of quenched and tempered steel in industrial scale.

Improvement in Castability of Al-Killed Steel in Billet Casters by Process Optimization

Abstract: Sticking of alumina as well as spinel inclusions inside the sub-entry nozzles as well as tundish nozzle is a perennial problem during continuous casting of aluminum-killed steel through billet casters. This results in restriction or complete blockage of flow of liquid steel through the nozzles eventually leading to abortion of sequence in billet casters and stopping of continuous casting machine. Nozzle clogging not only restricts the productivity by restraining the casting sequence, intermittent extrication of clogged alumina particles or dislodged refractory materials which are a significant source of non-metallic macro-inclusions in the cast sections of billet casters. If these inclusions are not removed completely during secondary refining of steel, they cause excessive clogging mainly in low-carbon Al-killed steels. In other grades of Al-killed steel, clogging is also very prominent if the deoxidation and secondary refining is not carried out properly. IISCO Steel Plant (ISP), Burnpur, a new, modernized unit of Steel Authority of India Limited, was facing problems of nozzle clogging in low-carbon, low-Si, Al-killed grade (EWNR—electrode quality grade) resulting in premature abortion of casting sequence leading to huge productivity loss. To solve the problem of nozzle clogging in low-carbon Al-killed grades and other grades at ISP, optimization of various steelmaking parameters, viz., amount of Al addition and its sequence, purging regime in ladle furnace, optimization of Ca treatment process, etc. has been carried out which has resulted in improvement in castability of Al-killed steel in billet caster of ISP.

Microstructure–Property Correlation in High-Strength Formable Steel with Varying Nb-Si Content

Abstract: High-strength formable quality (HSFQ) steel grades, steel A (0.038Nb, 0.031Si), steel B (0.034 Nb, 0.27Si), and steel C (0.044Nb, 0.26Si), with varying Nb and Si content has been investigated. The microstructure, texture, precipitation, mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of these steel grades have been explored. Very fine grain size in the range of 2.7-3.6 µm was obtained in all these steel grades through controlled hot rolling. However, a significant variation in the crystallographic texture and precipitation behavior in these steels was observed. A higher volume fraction of γ-fiber texture components and uniformly distributed fine Nb(C, N) precipitates were obtained in steel B as compared to steel A and C. This resulted in better properties in steel B with relatively high PSE (product of strength–elongation), high uniform elongation, and high hole expansion ratio. The corrosion properties of the steels were also evaluated, and steel B showed better corrosion resistance among the three grades. Considering the overall performance and properties of these steel grades, steel B with an optimum Nb and Si content is found to have better property and performance among the three grades.

A Comparative Study of EDD and PM-EDD in Producing Holes in Inconel 718 Alloy

Abstract: In recent times, aerospace, chemical industries and nuclear plant have usually used Inconel 718 alloy because of its excellent mechanical and chemical properties at elevated temperatures. It falls under the category of difficult-to-cut materials due to its high toughness, poor thermal conductivity and high hardness. The set-ups for electric discharge drilling (EDD) and powder-mixed electric discharge drilling (PM-EDD) were developed, and experiments were conducted on them separately. This research shows a comparative study amid producing holes by EDD and PM-EDD in Inconel 718 alloy workpiece with copper tool electrode. SiC was used as an abrasive powder because of its better thermal conductivity in order to get properly mixed with dielectric in a separate tank. Output response was assessed in the form of material removal rate, under the influence of discharge current, duty factor, pulse-on-time and tool speed, as the input parameters.

SteelChain—Blockchain-Based Transparent Supply Chain Framework for the Steel Industry

Abstract: Steel Industry supply chain encompasses a distributed network of stakeholders diversified across countries, functionalities, production processes, and lots of manpower. Efficient logistics is a critical component of the industry’s supply chain carrying out the handling and movement of raw materials and products from the source locations to their final destination. Fragmentation in the process results in economic loss, opportunity losses, and rise in operating expenses. The pertinent setup is constrained by inefficient communication, lack of transparency, and standardized pricing resulting in higher expenses, rising delivery times, and human errors. These problems get multiplied owing to localized data frameworks which are non-standardized. This further necessitates redundancy in processing, increased paperwork, and increased manual interventions leading to frequent errors and incurring huge costs on companies due to deviations from delivery schedules, fraudulent intrusions, and damages in the consignment during transit. The SteelChain Protocol Suite aims to resolve these issues by scaling up blockchain technology to create a simple, transparent, and standardized framework usable throughout the steel manufacturing and delivery value chain. SteelChain efficiently utilizes the immutability offered by Blockchain Technology to map physical steel coils/rods to cryptographic transaction hashes. This ensures end-to-end constancy of identity of a particular coil/rod at each stage during the life cycle from order placement by customer to eventual reception of the consignment.

Development of Castables with High Thermal Shock Resistance and Volume Stability

Abstract: Vacuum Arc Degassing (VAD) ladle covers are a vital item for steel production through VAD units. Under prevailing operating conditions of VAD, ladle cover refractories need to sustain high thermal shock and a corrosive environment. Their operational conditions and lining patterns also demand a high volume stability of the refractory material. A composition of a high alumina castable suitable for the manufacture of pre-cast blocks was designed to obtain the desired properties. It was found that castables with an optimum amount of Cr2O3 in combination with the proper deflocculant and dispersing agents were the most suitable. Based on the study, pre-cast blocks were manufactured with the castable developed and tried in VAD ladle covers of ASP, SAIL. It was observed that pre-cast blocks of VAD ladle covers were highly stable under the severe VAD operating conditions and have the potential to result in a good lining life.

Failure Analysis of Basic Oxygen Furnace Lance Head Assembly

Abstract: In a steel plant, basic oxygen furnace (BOF) is a method to convert liquid hot metal and steel scrap into steel with oxidizing action of oxygen blowing into the melt. A water-cooled lance is used for blowing of pure gaseous oxygen (> 99.5%) at high pressure and flow rate of 11–13 kg/cm2 and ~ 1000 Nm3/min, respectively. A failure of BOF lance head assembly occurred in one of the integrated steel plants. A small oxygen leak ignited near the flange and a significant portion of the oxygen pipe elbow was consumed. The failure analysis was carried out, and likely reasons for the failure were identified. During the BOF process, oxygen is blown at high velocity into molten, carbon-saturated hot metal as received from blast furnaces. Oxygen reacts with carbon to form carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) gases, among other reactions. The occurrence of flames, metal spitting and post-combustion of CO gas generates high-temperature conditions that can damage the oxygen lance assembly. They can also cause changes in microstructure of the parent material (low-carbon-grade SS310S) of the elbow and weaken the material over a period of time. It was found that the presence of a minute puncture in the oxygen pipe line may, under thermodynamically favorable conditions, ignite the leaking oxygen. Such a minute leakage may have occurred due to failure of material, weld joint or detachable joint.