Intelligent Quality Estimation of Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) in Storage Silos
Real-Time Estimation of DRI Quality for Smarter Metallic Charge Management
Continuously updated estimate of the chemical and metallurgical quality of DRI in each storage silo, combining production data and material flow.
Real-Time DRI Quality for Smarter Metallic Charge Management
The Intelligent DRI Quality Estimation solution continuously calculates the quality of Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) stored in storage silos by combining production quality data with real-time material flow information.
The system provides steelmaking operations with an accurate and continuously updated estimate of the metallic charge quality, enabling better furnace charging decisions, optimized raw material utilization, and improved steel quality.
Solution Overview
After production, DRI is transferred to steelmaking either through hot charging or cold charging. In the cold charging route, DRI produced by multiple reduction modules—or supplied from different external sources—is transported via conveyor systems to storage silos, where it remains for a specified stabilization period before being consumed in electric arc furnaces (EAFs).
Our AI-enabled solution combines conveyor weight signals, material flow tracking, production records, laboratory analyses, supplier quality information, and silo inventory data to dynamically estimate the chemical and metallurgical quality of the DRI contained in each storage silo. The system provides reliable digital representation of available metallic charge, enabling planners and melt shop operators to optimize recipes and improve process consistency.
Key Benefits
Continuous estimation of DRI quality in each storage silo
Real-time tracking of blended material quality from multiple production modules and suppliers
Improved visibility of available metallic charge before furnace charging
Optimized metallic charge planning for Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) operations
Higher consistency in steel chemistry and process performance
Reduced risk of off-specification products and quality deviations
Better utilization of internally produced and purchased DRI
Improved inventory transparency and raw material traceability
Enhanced production planning for high-value and specialty steel grades
AI-powered decision support for smarter, data-driven steelmaking operations
Years expertise in solving complex industrial problems
Years solving key challenges in the steel sector
Ready to gain full visibility of your DRI inventory?
Speak with our specialists about implementing real-time DRI quality estimation for your melt shop.