Implementation of a condition monitoring system on an electric arc furnace through a risk-based methodology

Abstract

This article presents the deployment of a condition monitoring system on an electric arc furnace in a steel-making company, ranging from the development of the system until its implementation and the results achieved by its use in the plant. A step-wise risk-based methodology is introduced and it is adopted to deploy the condition monitoring system. The electric arc furnace is a relevant asset for safety issues; due to the characteristics of the furnace – running continuously at high temperatures and in harsh environmental conditions – many components cannot be visually inspected; thus, a maintenance system, with real-time monitoring capabilities, represents a proper solution to keep under control the asset health state. Besides the monitoring activity, appropriate risk information must also be shown to maintenance personnel to effectively improve maintenance activity. In this concern, the condition monitoring system, herein presented, can be considered an E-maintenance tool, integrated within an existing information and communication technology infrastructure, and representing one practical application of E-maintenance concept within industry.