Gordon Irons, McMaster University
Department of Materials Science and Engineering Professor Emeritus Hamilton, Ontario ironsga@mcmaster.ca
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Bio/Research
My research is concerned with experimentation and mathematical modelling of transport phenomena and reactions in metals processing. The overall aim is to reduce the materials and energy intensity of the processes, so that the sustainability of the processes can be improved.
Through coll...
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Through coll...
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Bio/Research
My research is concerned with experimentation and mathematical modelling of transport phenomena and reactions in metals processing. The overall aim is to reduce the materials and energy intensity of the processes, so that the sustainability of the processes can be improved.
Through collaboration with ArcelorMittal Dofasco under the previously held Chair (Dofasco/NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Process Metallurgy), research was conducted on Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steelmaking and vacuum tank decarburization. A small-scale model of Dofasco’s EAF was constructed, and mathematical models of the fluid flow were developed. In the vacuum tank decarburization project, work was carried out with small-scale models, with pilot-scale experimentation in our Induction Melting Facilities, and with full-scale plant measurements.
Work is continuing to develop a comprehensive model of scrap melting in EAFs. This will aid in the improvement of current processes, and also lead to the aid in the design of the next generation of scrap melting processes. Scrap melting uses less energy and emits less CO2 than the Blast Furnace/Basic Oxygen Furnace route. As countries develop economically, there is a shift to more scrap-based steelmaking. Currently, there are very few universities working on this important problem. Much of this work is conducted in projects in the Steel Research Centre (see below for specific projects). The Steel Research Centre was recently profiled by the Toronto Region Research Alliance.
Over the years a great deal of my work has been devoted to gas and powder injection into metals for refining (hot metal desulphurization, calcium treatment of steel, recycling of EAF dust into steel and copper refining). This work is being extended to carbon injection into slags, which is important for EAF steelmaking. This project is supported by the Steel Research Centre.
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Through collaboration with ArcelorMittal Dofasco under the previously held Chair (Dofasco/NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Process Metallurgy), research was conducted on Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steelmaking and vacuum tank decarburization. A small-scale model of Dofasco’s EAF was constructed, and mathematical models of the fluid flow were developed. In the vacuum tank decarburization project, work was carried out with small-scale models, with pilot-scale experimentation in our Induction Melting Facilities, and with full-scale plant measurements.
Work is continuing to develop a comprehensive model of scrap melting in EAFs. This will aid in the improvement of current processes, and also lead to the aid in the design of the next generation of scrap melting processes. Scrap melting uses less energy and emits less CO2 than the Blast Furnace/Basic Oxygen Furnace route. As countries develop economically, there is a shift to more scrap-based steelmaking. Currently, there are very few universities working on this important problem. Much of this work is conducted in projects in the Steel Research Centre (see below for specific projects). The Steel Research Centre was recently profiled by the Toronto Region Research Alliance.
Over the years a great deal of my work has been devoted to gas and powder injection into metals for refining (hot metal desulphurization, calcium treatment of steel, recycling of EAF dust into steel and copper refining). This work is being extended to carbon injection into slags, which is important for EAF steelmaking. This project is supported by the Steel Research Centre.
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