EXCELLO, a South Korean startup founded in 2017, has joined forces with Sumitomo Shoji Machinex Corporation to launch a groundbreaking real-time monitoring system specifically designed for steel production. This partnership aims to address the critical challenges of operational stability and energy efficiency in steelmaking. By leveraging EXCELLO's advanced technology, the two companies are set to transform how steelmakers monitor and manage their processes.
The new monitoring system focuses on refractory materials, which are essential for withstanding the high temperatures found in steel furnaces. Traditional temperature measurement methods often rely on thermocouples that provide data from a single point, potentially missing crucial variations across the furnace surface. In contrast, EXCELLO’s innovative approach involves attaching sensors around the entire circumference of converters and electric furnaces. This allows for comprehensive and continuous temperature monitoring, enabling steelmakers to gain valuable insights into their operations.
Last year, the technology underwent a Proof of Concept trial in Japan, where it demonstrated its effectiveness in a real-world setting. Following the successful trial, Sumitomo Shoji Machinex confirmed the system's potential and has now commenced formal sales efforts targeting Japanese steel manufacturers. The company plans to utilize the extensive network of the Sumitomo Group to introduce the monitoring system not only in Japan but also to its subsidiaries in Thailand and Taiwan.
The steel industry has shown significant interest in this real-time monitoring system, primarily due to its safety benefits. By preventing refractory failures, the system can enhance the overall safety of steel production. Moreover, the technology optimizes energy consumption, which is critical given the industry's high energy demands. Numerous inquiries have already been made regarding its application in key components of steelmaking, including blast furnaces, electric furnaces, and ladles.
Hidehiko Sezose, Managing Executive Officer and General Manager of the Iron, Steel & Non-Ferrous Plant Division at Sumitomo Shoji Machinex, highlighted the advantages of this innovative technology. “By visualizing temperature fluctuations across the furnace surface, we can identify unnecessary energy consumption and wear,” he explained. This capability not only helps in extending the life of refractory materials but also significantly improves operational efficiency, making the steel production process more sustainable.
EXCELLO's commitment to digital transformation in extreme environments positions it as a leader in this niche market. The collaboration with Sumitomo Shoji Machinex is a strategic move that combines expertise in steelmaking with cutting-edge technology. As the steel industry continues to face pressures related to sustainability and efficiency, this partnership is timely, addressing critical needs within the sector.
