SMS group installs digital tuyere monitoring system at U.S. Steel Gary Works

SMS group has commissioned a digital tuyere monitoring system at blast furnace No. 14 of U.S. Steel's Gary Works in Indiana. The installation marks the first application of the Paul Wurth Tuyere Phenomena Detection System (TPDS) in the United States.

The system provides continuous monitoring of all 34 tuyeres, improving operational visibility and reducing the need for manual inspections near the blast furnace.

Digital monitoring improves furnace safety

Tuyeres supply hot blast and, where applicable, additional fuels such as natural gas to the blast furnace. Their operating conditions are critical for stable ironmaking operations.

Previously, operators regularly inspected individual tuyeres through sight glasses installed on the tuyere stocks. The new system enables remote observation from the control room, reducing personnel exposure to potentially hazardous conditions.

TPDS combines digital visualisation with tuyere blockage detection, a raceway model and anomaly detection software. These functions help operators identify abnormal operating conditions and respond to potential disturbances more quickly.

The technology is designed to improve furnace control, support maintenance planning and increase operational safety.

Installation strengthens long-standing cooperation

The project continues the established relationship between SMS group and U.S. Steel. Previous equipment supplied to the steelmaker includes blast furnace tapping systems, bell-less top charging technology, pig casting equipment and INBA slag granulation systems.

According to Brian Hynes, project manager at Gary Works, the new monitoring system provides remote visibility of tuyere conditions and supports the prediction of certain operating abnormalities.

SMS group said the installation was completed within the project's scheduled timeframe and would facilitate safer furnace operations and more efficient maintenance.

Source and Photo: SMS group