Efficient metalpowder process with innovative sensor technique

Purpose and goal

For metal powder production the annealing process in belt furnaces, has been identified as a process that can be improved with better temperature control. The project aims to develop sensor solutions based on distributed fiber sensing, which can give give substantially more temperature information than what todays conventional sensors, and potentially to lower installation and maintenance cost. The improved temperature information is intended to be used for optimizing the process in terms of raw material and energy efficiency as well as for higher qualities and lower costs.

Expected results and effects

To deliver a clear vision of the feasibility of distributed sensing in belt furnaces and possible effects on raw material and resource efficiency. This means: Sensor designs has been developed and tested in lab and experimental furnaces Description on how a better temperature control can improve resource efficiency Estimations of potential raw material, energy and cost savings Identified needs for further improvements for industrial implementation Verified the technical and commercial potential of the proposed technique and perform a brief plan for a full-scale project

Planned approach and implementation

The project is coordinated by RISE Acreo and is divided in work packages with defined deliverables and planned activities. Each WP has its leader responsible for the deliverables in that specific WP, but the work will always be performed in cooperation between RISE and Höganäs. However, in general RISE are responsible for technical development and preparation of the sensor system, while Höganäs take care of specifying the requirements, the industrial field testing, analyses of results and investigations of on how to best use the improved temperature control.

More information

Presentation from SIP STRIM program day 2019