April 2024 | Thai steel producer Siam Yamato Steel has implemented a new robot concept from Primetals Technologies, including LiquiRob, at its steelworks in Map Ta Phut.
The solution is used for manipulating the shadow tubes on Siam Yamato Steel’s continuous billet caster. The deciding factors for Siam Yamato Steel’s choice of supplier included the references from recent projects with robotic systems and the tailor-made technological solution.
Thanks to the robotics solution, safety and occupational health in the steelworks have significantly improved. Previously, workers who manually operated the shadow tube had to stand directly next to the distributor and the stream of steel flowing out of the ladle. In the case of a so-called “frozen pan”, i.e. H. Due to an undesirable solidification of the liquid steel in the ladle, the operators also had to move closer to the ladle slide in order to manually burn it free using an oxygen lance.
Performing dangerous tasks
The new concept developed by Primetals Technologies consists of a standard ladle manipulator equipped with a mechanical interface tailored to the needs of Siam Yamato Steel. The robot uses the shadow tube at the interface to guide it into the correct position and connect it correctly. The LiquiRob robotic system performs several dangerous tasks, including deployment of the oxygen lance, measurements and sampling from the manifold, and powder feeding into the manifold.
Increased safety for operating personnel
Primetals Technologies has also developed and implemented a comprehensive safety concept as part of the LiquiRob robot solution at Siam Yamato Steel. A fence enclosing the area near the robot and doors with automatic security locks ensure that the environment is secured before the LiquiRob robot system goes into operation, increasing worker safety in the factory.
Primetals Technologies’ scope of delivery included a LiquiRob robot system, a customized shadow tube manipulator, a camera system, electronics and automation devices for automated operation, and a pneumatics cabinet.
Meeting domestic needs
Founded in 1992, Siam Yamato Steel produces hot-rolled structural steel. The company operates two plants in Map Ta Phut Industrial Area with a total annual production capacity of 1.1 million tons of steel. Domestic demand for heavy section steel is almost entirely met by Siam Yamato Steel’s production, making the company a significant contributor to the Thai economy.
