To answer this question, a new funded research project was set up.
In the project “MaRSCH – On-line material classification by radar in slags”, the TU Bergakademie Freiberg and the startup mecorad are using state-of-the-art radar to detect the composition of different slags and to determine their specifics. In this way, a process is to be developed over the next two years to determine the properties of molten-liquid phases of slags and their individual levels in real time.
TU Bergakademie Freibergs Institute for Iron and Steel Technology and Institute for Non-Ferrous Metallurgy and High-Purity Materials are contributing their expertise to the project. The mecorad GmbH puts in its know-how in radar development and the highly complex field of signal evaluation.
“Surveys on the properties and recycling of metallurgical slags are a current research focus. Using radar sensors for this and their testing directly at our test facilities is an exciting new issue for us.” says Dr Thilo Kreschel from the Institute of Iron and Steel Technology at TU Bergakademie Freiberg.
Professor Alexandros Charitos from the Institute of Nonferrous Metallurgy and High Purity Materials adds: “Modern sensors are the basis for digitalisation in the metallurgical industry and will contribute to the efficiency of processes. Our partner mecorad will develop this radar technology for sophisticated applications in metallurgy as part of the project. We are happy to be involved and look forward to working together over the next two years.”
As happy is mecorad, Dr. Marc Banaszak admits: “The expertise of the colleagues here at the TU Bergakademie Freiberg and the opportunity to test the research results with them in the laboratories are a real stroke of luck for us. We hope the joint project will lead the way for automation of the separation of slag phases prior to disposal.”
The project is being funded as part of the “KMU innovativ” programme on behalf and with funds from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. PT Jülich Research Center joins the project as the executing organization.
Find more information on the KMU innovative programme on the programme site.