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Timken's New Sensor Prototype a Success

8 January 2001

Timken's New Sensor Prototype a Success

    CANTON, Ohio, Jan. 5 A new sensor developed to facilitate
energy conservation in steel production has proven successful following a one-
week prototype trial.  The laser-based system, which measures the composition
of gases exiting a steel-melting furnace, was recently installed in an
electric arc furnace at The Timken Company's Faircrest Steel Plant
in Canton, Ohio.  The ability to measure gas composition will allow
optimization of combustion and energy utilization in the furnace.
    "This new system will be an important tool for the continuous improvement
of our steel melting process," said Raymond V. Fryan, director - process
improvement - alloy steel. "It also demonstrates Timken's continued commitment
to environmental protection through conservation. By utilizing new
technologies to minimize energy consumption, we're building on the long-
standing Timken reputation of protecting our natural resources."
    Timken is hosting plant trials for this energy-reduction project, which is
sponsored by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) and the U.S.
Department of Energy (DoE). AISI administers technology research and
development projects on behalf of its member companies supporting the DoE's
Industry of the Future vision to advance efficiency, reduce energy consumption
and preserve the environment.
    The projected industry-wide benefits of this new sensor, coupled with
computer analysis software applied to a process control system, include a two
percent increase in energy efficiency and a ten percent improvement in
productivity. The DoE is providing the majority of funding for the two-year,
$1.2 million project with IPSCO, Georgetown Steel and North Star Steel joining
Timken as industry cost-share providers.
    Technical leaders like Stantec Global Technologies, Process Metrix, and
scientists at Sandia National Laboratory are partnering with Timken to develop
this new technology.