Dr. Markus Ringhofer
Sales Manager Industry 4.0, Primetals Technologies, Austria
Dr. Markus Ringhofer conducted his studies of Industrial Engineering in Austria, Sweden and The Netherlands. In 2011 he started his career at Primetals Technologies Austria as sales manager for the market in South Korean, where he was also serving his company as expatriate between 2014 and 2016. Since his return to Austria in 2016, he is responsible as sales manager for the digitalization portfolio of Primetals Technologies. Dr. Ringhofer is author of several publications in the fields of digitalization and R&D management.
Topic 1: Digital transformation of the steel industry
Abstract : Intelligent combination of process automation, information technology, and connectivity enables the digitalization of steel production that goes far beyond conventional automation of industrial production. Several initiatives like IIoT have been implemented all around the world. Smart sensor technology combined with advanced digital models as well as quality and production planning and control systems provide huge potentials along the entire production chain. The result is quality improvement and production cost reduction together with process flexibility. This paper is drafting a vision of the intelligent steel production of the future as well as showing a stepwise approach to reach this ambitious target inspired by the experience of more than 2,000 successful automation projects executed in the metals industry.
Topic 2: Through-Process Optimization (TPO), an integrated solution for steel production with best quality and highest productivity at lowest cost
Abstract : The process of digitalization in many industries is creating new opportunities for improvement of overall efficiency and quality in the steel production. At the same time, end customers are demanding steel products at higher quality levels, tailor-made steel-grades, short development time and to respond to any quality deviations to avoid down-grading of the products. Producers require quick and complete access to quality and process relevant data, a deep understanding on how a change in process parameters will affect the product properties and comprehensive know-how to develop new products successfully. TPOI (Through Process Optimization) solution, which targets the smart, digital interconnection of various process units and the accumulation of know-how along the entire steel production chain.
Topic 3: Rolling into the Future
Abstract: Today’s steel producers face the dual challenge of ensuring on-time delivery and ever demanding product requirements, while also running a lean operation. Every day the management of a long rolling plant requires continuous optimization of both operating and business practices. Imagine a long rolling facility, where individual pieces of equipment communicate with each other, where sensor information can be used not only for control purposes but to also monitor the condition of the equipment, where models are used to verify the process is within working limits and the equipment raises alerts to operators when it requires maintenance.Utilizing the ongoing evolution in technology though data collection, communication, internet of things, control techniques and smart sensors, there is now more information available than ever before. The collection and analysis of this information will both advance control and monitoring of plant performance; revolutionizing long rolling mill plants worldwide and optimizing the entire value chain, along with improved and more flexible production.