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H2020Doctoral network2017–2022

ATHOR · Advanced THermomechanical mOdelling of Refractory linings

Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Duration
2017-10-01 → 2022-03-31
EU contribution
€3,737,240
Participants
14
Scheme
MSCA-ITN-ETN

Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.

Results in brief

Advanced THermomechanical mOdelling of Refractory linings

Research carried out in the ATHOR project has contributed to the advancement of our knowledge of refractory materials. Refractories are heat-resistant materials used as inner linings of high temperature furnaces, reactors and processing units. As the only low cost material able to sustain operating conditions, at temperatures above 1000°C, refractories are used to contain and process fluids, such as molten metal and glass. Due to the harsh working environment, a constant re-engineering of refractories is needed, making R+D in the sector vital. Refractories are directly related to the competitiveness of European steel companies and the development of major economic sectors, the impact of any innovation will be felt across Europe. Through the adaptation and development of the most advanced modelling strategies and experimental technologies, reliable computations and measurements have been achieved at high temperature. Refractory materials used in the lining of a steel ladle, operate in the temperature range 1200-1600oC. ATHOR has targeted the development of high-end engineering technologies in the fields of material’s science and numerical simulations to make a substantial contribution through the design of more robust and reliable refractory linings. Ultimately, the aim has been to reduce refractory costs, increase the equipment’s availability and enhance the process control. In addition to meeting our industrial partner’s interests, through the reduction in energy use, ATHOR has also contributed to tackling environmental issues. Refractories used in a steel ladle require a wide range of properties, e.g. high thermal stability, high erosion resistance, high corrosion resistance, penetration resistance, thermomechanical stability, impact resistance, flexibility and creep resistance. The constant re-engineering required by the ladle permits analyse of refractories under real world conditions and direct application of the results. The steel ladle was thus chosen as the focus of ATHOR.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union

Project objective

Refractories are heat-resistant materials used as inner linings of high temperature furnaces, reactors and processing units. ATHOR (Advanced THermomechanical multiscale mOdelling of Refractory linings) is an innovative, collaborative and interdisciplinary project that brings together 6 academic beneficiaries and 8 private partners. The main objective is to develop high-end engineering technologies in material engineering and numerical simulations thanks to an intensive cooperation between academia, raw materials suppliers, refractory producers and end-users. Starting from material characterization, all significant properties will be investigated, including fracture behaviour, tension and compression creep behaviour, corrosion and thermal shock resistance. The interdisciplinary aspects will be addressed thanks to a multiscale approach looking at the influences of micro-, meso- and macro-characteristics on each other. To conduct their research and interlink the different topics, the 15 recruited researchers will take advantage of the most sophisticated numerical tools to model, design and predict the life of different lining configurations in critical operation conditions.The current financial situation of the European steel industry urges the producers to dramatically reduce their production costs. This project is expected to substantially contribute to find solutions through the design of more robust and more reliable refractory linings. Not only the total cost of refractory materials is then reduced, but the equipment’s availability and the process control are improved. In addition to the large energy savings that meet the industrial partner’s interests, the project will help to reduce the environmental impact of high temperature processes.The ATHOR network is deeply committed to provide a combination of research and training activities which will support and enlarge the initiative of the Federation for International Refractory Research and Education (FIRE).

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

  • UNIVERSITE DE LIMOGES · LimogesCoordinatorFrance
  • AKADEMIA GORNICZO-HUTNICZA IM. STANISLAWA STASZICA W KRAKOWIE · KrakowPoland
  • ALTEO GARDANNE · GARDANNEFrance
  • EDILIANS · DardillyFrance
  • FEDERATION FOR INTERNATIONAL REFRACTORY RESEARCH AND EDUCATION · Montréal (Québec)Canada
  • MAGNESITA REFRACTORIES GMBH · HILDENGermany
  • MONTANUNIVERSITAET LEOBEN · LeobenAustria
  • Pyrotek Scandinavia AB · EdSweden
  • RHEINISCH-WESTFAELISCHE TECHNISCHE HOCHSCHULE AACHEN · AachenGermany
  • RHI AG · WIENAustria
  • SAINT-GOBAIN CENTRE DE RECHERCHES ET D'ETUDES EUROPEEN · CourbevoieFrance
  • TATA STEEL IJMUIDEN BV · VELSEN NOORDNetherlands
  • UNIVERSIDADE DO MINHO · BragaPortugal
  • UNIVERSITE D'ORLEANS · Orleans Cedex 2France

Links

Data: CORDIS, © European Union