Dr. Gerald Wimmer

Vice President Converter Steelmaking, Primetals Technologies, Austria

Dr. Wimmer is currently the Vice President Coverter Steelmaking. He joined Primetals in 2009 building up simulation group for finite element, CFD and logistic simulations. During his time as head of technology for converter steelmaking he led several R&D projects including the development of the Vaicon Link converter suspension system or the Vaicon AOD damper which is now successfully used at several AOD converters to reduce vibrations by more than 50%. Gerald holds a PHD degree for mechanical engineering as well as a master degree for international economics.

Topic: Flexible solutions for increased scrap rates in BOF converter steelmaking

Abstract: Primetals Technologies has developed several solutions for increase of scrap rates in converter steelmaking. This solutions include upgrade packages that can be installed on existing converters like scrap preheating system, post combustion lances or process control models to optimize the heat balance and reduce reblow rate. Combination of such packages is possible and scrap rates up to 30% can be achieved. For even higher scrap rates the Jet Process was developed. This process is employing a bottom blowing converter with coal injection and a special post combustion lance. This way very efficient heating can be done and scrap rates up to 50% combined with highest productivity can be achieved.