The mechanical properties of a 10.5% chromium stainless steel strip have been determined as a function of the cold rolling reduction ratio. The best formability properties after annealing are associated to the higher cold deformation. This is a consequence of the texture development and through thickness homogeneity. The recristallized grains mis-orientation has been studied with the CSL approach and the coincidence index.

EMF in a blast furnace can be used to predict liquid level variations into the hearth. After the strong influence of some process parameters has been minimized, the variation of the EMF at the end of consecutive castings can be used as a criterion of liquid level variations. Currently this criterion is integrated in a mathematical model that sends messages to an on-line advisory tool.

A cold rolled DP-grade (TS 600 MPa), coiled at 550°C, was compared with a steel of approximately the same analysis but with the addition of 0.015 wt% Nb, coiled at 520 and 600°C respectively. The Nb-addition refines the ferrite grain size substantially and a more uniform grain shape is achieved. The smaller grain size of the ferrite and martensite phases, results in a material with better formability. Recrystallization and phase transformations were studied with the laser ultrasonic technique. This technique could be implemented on industrial annealing lines.

Two innovative processes have been developed in order to produce ultra fine grained steel at the hot strip mill. One is based on high speed, large reduction forging, the other on combined rolling/bending strain accumulation. Both processes afford drastic reductions of the strip ferrite grain-size.

Almost 40% of the 180 conventional hot strip mills in the world were built before 1970. Flexible concepts developed by SMS Demag allow older hot strip mills to be modernized such that they meet today's market requirements in the same way as latest-generation mills. The article presents the principles of the concept phase as well as some examples for successful modernization projects which featured very different requirements.

CRM developed a new cost effective procedure to have a more accurate assessment of roll performance related to oxide formation, friction level and wear for hot rolling. The procedure consists of inserting different work roll materials in pilot work rolls to perform specific continuous pilot hot rolling campaigns with a detailed analysis. This gives a direct comparison between the different materials tested in a real rolling environment. Furthermore it reduces the technical risk related to the introduction of new work roll grades and speeds up the roll development.

A 30% increased production rate and surface cleanness can be obtained by DFI oxyfuel combustion on a galvanizing line of TKS. A 3 m long DFI unit, with direct flame impingement on the strip, allows a 200 °C surface temperature increase and a production rate of 105 ton/hour.

Since 2000 the performance of Corus cold mill 21 has improved substantially. The Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) increased from 33% to 43% and productivity has increased from a level of 1.4 million tonnes in 1999 to nearly 2.0 million tonnes presently. A suitable balance in the triangle of technology, installation and people has proven to be the key prerequisite in this performance increase. The key knowledge areas to operate, maintain and improve the mill are now all available within the production organization.

Crystallographic textures of hot rolled microalloyed steel strips from the thin slab direct rolling AST process is determined by EBSD. The effect of the thermomechanical treatment on the strip texture is analyzed, pointing out a significant through thickness gradient.

Lean Duplex Stainless Steels (LDSS) have been used or are being considered as substitutes for several well-established materials, in various applications. This paper concentrates on AL 2003TM LDSS (UNS S32003) as a substitute for Type 316L stainless steel. Comparative data are presented including corrosion test data in various media, mechanical test data, and design strength limits. Examples of applications are given.

New international regulation imposing double hull tankers, lead to turn over end of life tankers to FPSO (Floating production Storage Offloading). This raises a problem with the life extension of the units that must account for the new operational conditions. Bureau Veritas has introduced a method to assess the residual life of a tanker and to decide of the necessary modifications and improvements to reach the new contractual life time. The method is described with the support of an actual example.

The paper reviews the 200 series and points out the specificities of the new developed grades. Chemical compositions, mechanical properties, corrosion resistance properties and applications are presented. The lack of international codes for those grades is pointed out. Finally warnings are addressed for improper uses of those grades by end-users.

Ultra and Very High Strength Steels (UHSS, VHSS) solutions are proposed by ArcelorMittal to meet front, side, rear and rollover crash requirements. UHSS and VHSS steel monolithic solutions have strongly progressed crash safety and lightening. Another step towards higher performance is afforded by UHSS and VHSS Tailored Welded Blank (TWB) configurations. Three parts are analysed that participate actively in vehicle crashworthiness: sidemember, B-pillar reinforcement and front-end bumper. A comparison between monolithic solutions and TWB solutions is presented, in order to determinate the extra gains (i.e. mass saving, energy absorption) that a TWB solution can offer.

The background of the development of the BRP technology (Baosteel BOF Refining Process) is presented along with the experimental conditions and results. The relations between dephosphorization and basicity of slag, bottom blowing, temperature at end point are analyzed. The effects on dephosphorization of bottom blowing, total iron of slag and silicon content in hot metal are also considered. The performance results indicate that, in the de-P converter and the de-C converter respectively, the dephosphorization efficiency is over 84% and 64% with phosphorus contents below 0.014% and 0.005%. Steels that are difficult to elaborate, such as tire corded or X 65 pipeline steel with HIC-resistance benefit from the BRP technology in Baosteel.

The automobile industry has been marked for continuous modernization of its projects, in order to meet a high demand of safety, durability, fuel consumption, design and cost. This paper reports the latest developments that have been carried out by ArcelorMittal Brasil for improving the quality of coated and non-coated steel products for automotive use, taking into account an integrated management among Companhia Siderurgica de Tubarão (CST), Vega do Sul and ArcelorMittal Auto.

Production of pipes and tubes in Russia reached 7.9 Mt in year 2006. The share of welded pipes has raised up to 58% and is expected to grow further in the future. Russian tube producers are involved in a steady effort of modernization of equipment and commission of new facilities with a view to offer larger volumes of higher quality products that meet the requirements of international standards.

This paper deals with the influence of thermal strains/stresses caused by braking on the fatigue life of cast nodular iron disc brakes for railway vehicles. The thermal stresses have been experimentally derived and the durability has been assessed for a breaking load spectrum comprising 6000 stop brakings from 200 km/h, 3000 stop brakings from 160 km/h, 1500 stop brakings from 120 km/h and 30000 usual brakings periods slowing down from 90 km/h. The fatigue critical areas have been identified and a redesign of the discs made it possible to afford the requested service life of 3×106 km.

The construction sector has an impact on our environment. In France for example, the building sector accounts for 40% of total annual energy consumption and 22% of greenhouse gas emissions, and it generates more than 30 million tonnes of waste. The French standard content and its application to steel products are presented.

Examples of high cycle thermal fatigue (HCTF) damage cases on PWR austenitic stainless steel components are reported. High cycle thermal fatigue risk is primarily due to mixing of cold and hot water, unexpected leaks of cold water through check valves or to turbulent penetration of hot water running in a main pipe into a connected line. When such thermal fatigue issues are identified in PWR power plants, manufacturing improvement such as inner surface polishing of austenitic stainless steel parts can be performed to increase the fatigue resistance of the components.

The new approaches that have been recently introduced to account for the potential effects of the PWR water environment on the high cycle thermal fatigue of austenitic stainless steel components have been experimentally assessed under conditions matching the actual in service loadings.