Modelling galore the last two weeks

At work I had to model a few unorthodox process routes. Still have to link them all together, but they all work in isolation. If it all works like the modelling suggests it will make for a very efficient plant. Wish I could say more, but there you go.

Australian carbon debate a joke

I don't often comment on politics, but this one really irked me.

The Australian steel makers (Bluescope and One Steel) complained about the proposed carbon tax, stating that it will increase their production cost by ~AUD40/t of steel at a carbon price of AUD20/t.

The government responded by stating that the numbers are incorrect, and that the increase will only be AUD2/t.

Let's get this straight. For every tonne of steel produced, about 2 tonnes of CO2 is produced (This varies from plant to plant, but only in the range of 1.8 to 2.5). So for a AUD20/t CO2 carbon tax, that is 20 AUD/t CO2 x 2 t CO2/t steel = AUD40/t steel.

Come on, Gillard Government. We are not all idiots. You will harm the manufacturing industry, and this may have consequences in terms of job losses and the general need to support people I am not sure you are prepared for. Or are you just lying to the general populous?

Sanity prevails in carbon debate

At last, a position paper that correctly states the whole lifecycle has to be analysed, and the results are what logic dictates: Steel is better than alternative materials. Ones this takes hold, expect to see bauxite and aluminum stocks decrease in value.

http://www.worldsteel.org/pictures/publicationfiles/Climate%20change%20position%20paper%20A4.pdf

Model development

After a long hiatus Excel VBA and I have met again. Not to mention meeting thermodynamics and balancing chemical equations! I thought I knew most things about hot metal pre-treatment, but after extensive research and coding it myself, I now know more. It has been revealing.

Another project I am working on involves a concept design of a steel plant, and this body of work has refined my views on how things should be done.

So how do you perform dephosphorisation, vanadium recovery, desulphurisation and silicon removal in the most profitable way? I think I am beginning to understand.

The type (and size) of blast furnace I would like to have at home

I have always dreamt of this. And now I see that someone has beaten me to it. Not to worry, mine will still be unique. I will paint mine green. Anyway, I will also have a sinter plant. Still have to convince my wife that we really need all this stuff, though...