On July 1st, CRM Group proudly launched five new RFCS (Research Fund for Coal and Steel) projects, four of which we are coordinating. These projects—Metconzero, Vismain, Olacskin, and EdgerRolls—represent significant strides towards improving steelmaking technologies and processes. The fifth project, SafeHDRI, sees CRM Group contributing as a key partner. These initiatives underscore our commitment to driving technological innovation and collaboration within the steel industry.

What is RFCS?
The RFCS is a European program dedicated to funding research and development in the coal and steel sectors. By supporting projects that enhance safety, sustainability, and technological advancement, the RFCS plays a crucial role in helping industries meet the environmental and economic challenges of today.

Overview of Our Projects:

Metconzero (Metallurgical Consequences of Zero Carbon Steelmaking)
This project focuses on understanding the metallurgical impacts of zero-carbon steelmaking processes. As we shift towards circularity, more complex input flows will affect alloying conditions, altering microstructures and the final properties of steel. Metconzero aims to study these changes to ensure the production of high-quality, zero-carbon steel grades.

Vismain (Visual Assisted Inspection of Rolling Stands)
The Vismain project seeks to improve the safety and efficiency of visual inspections in hot strip mills. Current methods often provide poor visibility and expose maintenance workers to risks. Vismain will develop a visual inspection system that offers better results without compromising safety, reducing the need for personnel to physically enter the rolling stands.

Olacskin (On-Line Laser Cleaning of Skin-Pass Rolls)
Olacskin aims to create a dry skin-pass cleaning system using laser technology to remove zinc and detect defects in real-time. The project will develop a portable sensor prototype capable of capturing high-quality images of zinc stains, enabling accurate defect detection through an advanced algorithm.

EdgerRolls (Advanced Manufacturing and Improved Performance of Hot Rolling Mill Edger Rolls)
This project focuses on improving the supply and performance of tapered edger rolls for European hot strip mills. By adapting advanced manufacturing methods and improving cooling, lubrication, and caliper geometries, EdgerRolls will help enhance the performance and durability of these critical components.

SafeHDRI (Safe Transport of H2-Based Direct Reduced Iron)
The SafeHDRI project addresses the safe transport of hydrogen-based direct reduced iron (H-DRI), focusing on reactivity, stability, and the effectiveness of passivation methods. By evaluating safety risks and the reusability of materials, SafeHDRI aligns with the European Green Deal and aims to support the transition to clean steel production technologies.

A Bright Future for Innovation

These projects reflect CRM Group’s ongoing commitment to advancing steelmaking technologies and promoting sustainability. As we move forward, we look forward to sharing the progress and innovations that will emerge from each of these groundbreaking initiatives.