Method for producing and further treating semi-finished metal products

By using hydrogen concentration as a process parameter to optimize cooling and processing routes, the method addresses inefficiencies in semi-finished metal product production, improving quality and throughput by minimizing cooling times and optimizing production.

WO2026104591A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-05-21SMS GROUP GMBH
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
SMS GROUP GMBH
Filing Date
2025-11-14
Publication Date
2026-05-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing methods for producing and processing semi-finished metal products, such as slabs, are inefficient in managing hydrogen embrittlement due to unpredictable hydrogen effusion rates, leading to inconsistent cooling times and potential delays in further processing.

Method used

A method that utilizes hydrogen concentration as a process parameter to optimize cooling and stacking times by calculating the effective diffusion coefficient and determining optimal processing routes, including individual cooling, stacking, and heat treatment methods based on real-time monitoring and simulation models.

Benefits of technology

This approach enhances the quality and throughput of semi-finished products by minimizing unnecessary cooling times, reducing hydrogen content, and optimizing production capacity while maintaining quality standards.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for producing and further treating semi-finished metal products, comprising the following steps: -casting the semi-finished products from a melt of the metal by means of a casting device; -optionally severing a cast strand by means of a severing device to obtain semi-finished products of a defined length; transporting the semi-finished products by means of a transporting device; -cooling the semi-finished products in at least one cooling process; -checking the quality of the microstructure of the individual semi-finished products by calculating at least one process parameter relevant to the quality of the microstructure; -deciding on the steps for the further treatment of the respective semi-finished product in a cooling process on the basis of at least this one process parameter; -wherein this process parameter is the hydrogen concentration in the semi-finished product and / or in the melt. If the hydrogen content of the semi-finished products is known, the holding time of the semi-finished products during various cooling measures can possibly be shortened. The method according to the invention makes it possible to optimize the holding times for which the semi-finished products are left stacked during the cooling process and to improve the quality of the semi-finished products
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