James Smith (left) and Xin Zhang (right) presented the RSTC service plaque to Matthew Chabes (center).

The RSTC met 9 May 2023, Detroit, MI, USA.
The following officers were elected:

• Chair: James Smith - Alkegen

• Vice Chair: Xin Zhang - Cleveland-Cliffs Indiana Harbor

• Papers Chair: Angelo Cristante - Vesuvius

• Education Chair: Jimmy Barrett - Allied Mineral Products Inc.

• Young Professional Chair: Rebecka Annunziata - AM/NS Calvert LLC

The CCTC and RSTC met jointly, 8–9 February 2023, Starkville, Miss., USA
The Continuous Casting and Refractory Systems Technology Committees held a joint meeting to discuss their shared interest in flow control devices for the caster area.
The group kicked off the business portion of the meeting with a review of each committee’s planned technical sessions for AISTech 2023 nominations for committee officers for 2023–2024. The committees heard updates on upcoming committee Roundups, Technology Training Conferences and study tours. They also discussed the latest AIST Steel In-dustry Fatalities Report.
The joint meeting then transitioned to presentations related to the theme of caster flow control devices.
Presentations:

• “How Refractories, Robots and Flow Control Systems Integrate,” by Filipe Fabri, Vesuvius.

• “Continuous Casting Refractories for Clean Steel,” by Toshio Horiuchi, Shinagawa.

• “Zero CO2 Emissions Tundish Selection,” by Dan Schaner, Calderys.

• “Tundish Life Optimization,” by Greg Geist, Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.

The next day, the two committees were welcomed at Steel Dynamics Inc. – Flat Roll Group Columbus Division for an extensive tour of the meltshop, caster, ladle and tundish rebuild areas.

Don Bryant (center), Steel Dynamics Inc. – Flat Roll Group Columbus Division, accepts a plaque of appreciation from Refractory Systems Technology Committee chair Matthew Chabes (left), Cleveland-Cliffs Indiana Harbor, and Continuous Casting Technology Committee chair Greg Geist (right), Cleveland-Cliffs Cleveland Works LLC, for hosting the committees’ plant tour on 9 February 2023.

Members of the LSRTC and RSTC toured Nucor Steel Florida Inc. prior to their joint meeting on 6 October 2022.

The RSTC and LSRTC met Jointly 6 October 2022, Orlando, Fla., USA, in conjunction with Secondary Steelmaking Refractories — A Practical Training Seminar
Members of both committees toured Nucor Steel Florida Inc. in the morning and then held their meeting. The group had a number of business items to address, including a thorough safety discussion focused on the recent fatalities logged in the Steel Industry Fatalities Report. 
The groups also discussed their upcoming award selection and next year’s training course, which will be held in Phoenix, Ariz., USA, with a tour of CMC Steel Arizona. 
The two committees also discussed their sessions for AISTech 2023 and asked for session chair volunteers. 
Two presentations were given: one from Mike Fox of RHI Magnesita and the other from Tom Connors of Connors Industrials. 

James Smith (left) presented the RSTC service plaque to  Matthew Chabes (right).

The RSTC met 17 May 2022, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
The following officers were elected:

• Chair: Matthew Chabes  /  Cleveland-Cliffs Indiana Harbor

• Vice Chair: James Smith  /  Unifrax Corp.

• Papers Chair: Xin Zhang  /  Cleveland-Cliffs Indiana Harbor

• Education Chair: Jimmy Barrett  /  Allied Mineral Products Inc.

• Study Tour Chair: Rakesh Dhaka  /  U. S. Steel Research and Technology Center

• Young Professional Chair: Angelo Cristante  /  Reno Refractories Inc.

• Digital Transformation Liaison: Marcelo Santos  /  RHI Magnesita

The RSTC met 15–16 February 2022, Duncanville, Texas, USA.
Matt Chabes, RSTC chair, opened the meeting and provided an overview of how the general economic conditions have changed from 2021 to the outlook for 2022.
A discussion was held on the current Steel Industries Fatalities report and a roundtable discussion occurred on safety measures at different facilities. Discussions included wearable devices, ice cleats for outdoor winter tasks and spring-loaded tables for pallets to limit employees bending over to pick up items from the pallet.
The RSTC sessions for AISTech 2022 were reviewed and a thorough discussion was held on the roles and responsibilities of AISTech session chairs. Nominations were then taken for RSTC officer positions for the 2022–2023 term.
James Barrett, RSTC education chair, provided an overview of the Secondary Steelmaking Refractories Fundamentals Training Seminar, which is being scheduled for 4–6 October 2022 in Orlando, Fla., USA.
The technical discussions were then conducted. Fabio Shimono, Gerdau Long Steel North America Midlothian Mill meltshop manager, provided an overview of the Midlothian facility. Included in the overview was the history of the facility, its current equipment and capabilities, the Midlothian Solar Project, safety measures, and COVID-19 protocol. The presentation finished with a clip from the Fox Business channel’s program “How America Works,” which showcased the Gerdau facility. Rafael Bruch, Gerdau Midlothian operational manager, and Marcos Santos, RHI Magnesita, presented case services of refractory challenges at Gerdau Midlothian and how RHI and Gerdau are partnering together for a full ladle service recycling program. Felipe Nonaka, RHI Magnesita, presented on CO₂ solutions that RHI has been providing to the industry. Solutions presented included cold setting tundish refractory to eliminate tundish dryers, carbon-free refractory binders, and the increase in refractory recycling efforts. The final presentation was by Mark Mattar of FRC Global, on thermal kinetic energy (TKE) burner technology. Utilizing the rapid expansion of burning gases combined with a venturi produces a high-velocity stream of energy which creates convective heating through velocity and vibrational energy, which is driven into the refractory linings. The kinetic energy generated creates micro-vibrations that penetrate faster than radiant heat to conserve energy.
On 16 February, the members traveled to Gerdau Long Steel North America Midlothian Mill for a facility tour. The tour included the near-net-shape caster and pulpit and the RHI Magnesita refractory maintenance building.

1. The Refractory Systems Technology Committee (RSTC) met in Duncanville, Texas, USA, on 15–16 February 2022. 2. RSTC chair Matt Chabes (left) presented Brenton Stoker (right) with a plaque of appreciation for hosting the RSTC’s tour of Gerdau Long Steel North America Midlothian Mill.

Jimmy Barrett (left) presented the RSTC service plaque to Michael Anderson (right) at AISTech 2021.

The RSTC met 30 June 2021, Nashville, TN USA.
The following officers were elected:

• Chair: Matthew Chabes, Cleveland-Cliffs Steel LLC

• Vice Chair: James Smith, Unifrax Corp.

• Papers Chair: Xin Zhang, Cleveland-Cliffs Steel LLC

• Education Chair: Jimmy Barrett, Allied Mineral Products Inc.

• Study Tour Chair: Rakesh Dhaka, U. S. Steel Research and Technology Center

• Young Professional Chair: Kyle Kingsbury, Duferco

• Digital Transformation Liaison: Cassie Martin Graham, D. Martin Enterprises

The RSTC held a virtual meeting 9 February 2021.
RSTC chair Mike Anderson began the meeting by reporting the latest global crude steel production data and steel industry fatality statistics.
Papers chair James Smith updated the committee on its AISTech 2021 sessions. The RSTC will sponsor sessions on tundish and ladle refractory technologies, refractory digitalization and modeling technology, and basic oxygen furnace and electric arc furnace refractory technologies. The session chair roles were reemphasized, and backup session chairs were solicited.
RSTC committee officers for the 2021–2022 term were then nominated. The candidates will officially be elected at the RSTC meeting during AISTech in Nashville, Tenn., USA.
Education chair Jimmy Barrett provided an update on the upcoming Secondary Steelmaking Refractories —
A Practical Training Seminar to be held 5–7 October 2021 in Colorado Springs, Colo., USA.
The Digital Transformation Subcommittee was then discussed. The subcommittee has been developing two new training offerings for AIST. An online course will be available for free for AIST members. The Digitalization Applications Fundamentals training seminar will be held in fall 2021.
Presentations: 

• “Monitoring Blast Furnaces and Other Process Vessels by Acoustic Emission (AE) Monitoring Technique,” by Maria Tibbo, Afshin Sadri and Winnie Ying, Hatch.

• “Gap and Crack Detection in Refractory Lining of a Ladle by a Combination of 3D Laser Scanning and Pyrometric Temperature Measurement,” by Rolf Lamm, MINTEQ International.

• “Application of Some Digital Techniques to Optimize the Thermomechanical Behavior of Refractory Linings,” by Shengli Jin, Montanuniversität Leoben.

The RSTC held a virtual meeting 3 March 2020.
RSTC chair Mike Anderson began the virtual meeting with a presentation of current steel industry production data. The committee then brainstormed ways to increase active participation in the RTSC meetings.
The group reviewed the status of the RSTC Japan Study Tour. The tour, originally targeted for spring 2021, will be postponed until 2022. The RSTC will continue to work to secure target sites to visit. Rakesh Dhaka volunteered to serve as study tour chair.
The committee held a brief roundtable discussion on how the global pandemic has impacted the steel industry and how companies are implementing safety protocols to limit the spread of COVID-19.
The RSTC then moved on to planning their sessions for AISTech 2021. There are currently three sessions slated for the conference: Tundish and Ladle, Digitalization and Modeling Technologies, and BOF and EAF Refractory Technologies. RSTC papers chair James Smith asked for volunteers for session chairs.
Jimmy Barrett provided a recap of Secondary Steelmaking Refractories — A Practical Training Seminar, which took place 6–7 October 2020 in a virtual format. The seminar had 42 registered, with attendees hailing from the U.S., Egypt, India and Australia. Barrett noted that the post-conference survey feedback was positive.
The committee then discussed the Digital Transformation Subcommittee Survey. The survey was filled out by one representative on behalf of the whole committee.
Presentations: 

• “Insulation in Ironmaking and Steelmaking Vessels,” by Lionel Rebouillat, Pyrotek.

• “Review of EAF Technologies and Refractory Digitalization,” by Ashraf Hanna, RHI Magnesita.

• “Technical Issues on Anchors for Monolithics,” by Ruth Engel, Refractory Consulting Services.

The SRSC held a virtual meeting 5 May 2020.
RSTC chair Rakesh K. Dhaka began the committee’s virtual meeting with a presentation of the Refractory Systems Best Paper Award. The award plaque will be given at AISTech 2020.
It was decided to host the RSTC’s fall meeting in conjunction with the Secondary Steelmaking Refractories Technology Training seminar in October. The meeting will also allow virtual/remote participation for the members that may still be under travel restrictions.
The following committee officers were elected for the 2020–2021 term:

• Chair: Michael Anderson, Magneco/Metrel Inc.

• Vice chair: Matthew Chabes, ArcelorMittal Indiana Harbor.

• Papers chair: James Smith, Thermbond Refractory Solutions.

• Education chair: Jimmy Barrett, Allied Mineral Products Inc.

• Young Professional chair: Kyle Kingsbury, Duferco.

Secondary Steelmaking Refractories Fundamentals will be held 6–8 October 2020 in Nashville, Tenn., USA.

The RSTC met 11–12 February 2020, Mesa, Ariz., USA.
Rakesh Dhaka, United States Steel Corporation, opened the meeting with a discussion of global steel business and output.
The RSTC reviewed its technical sessions for AISTech 2020 and the roles of session chair and papers chair. The committee has two sessions scheduled.
Nominations for committee officers for 2020–2021 were taken.
Education chair Jimmy Barrett reviewed the 2019 Secondary Steelmaking Refractories — A Practical Training Seminar, which was held 6–7 October in Nashville, Tenn., USA. There were 85 attendees, about 57% of which were from steel-producing companies.
The RSTC then discussed the Japan Study Tour, which will be held in April 2021. Companies that the committee is hoping to visit include Krosaki, Shinagawa, TYK, JFE Steel, Nippon Steel and NDK.
Presentations:

• Kyle Kingsbury, Duferco: “Mag Chrome Bricks for the Copper Industry and Importance of Quality Control on Performance.”

• Ruth Engel, Refractory Consulting Services, discussed the Elkem furnace.

• Rob Doty, IMACRO: “Promat Durasteel Composite Insulation Board.”

• Dave Wilkinson, Redlist: “Amazon Effect: Impact the Entire Business Through Digitization.”

• Rakesh Dhaka gave a blast furnace presentation.

On Wednesday, 12 February, the group toured
Freeport-McMoRan Inc. Miami. The facility includes an open-pit copper mine, a smelter-type isaSmelt™ technology (primary furnace) and ELKEM electric furnace (secondary); four Hoboken-style converters; two oxygen plants; a rod mill; and an acid plant.

RSTC vice chair Michael Anderson and RSTC chair Rakesh Dhaka presented a plaque of appreciation to Mark Albertsen, Connor McLeod, and Daniel Foley for hosting the tour of Freeport-McMoRan Inc. Miami (left to right): Anderson, Albertsen, McLeod, Foley and Dhaka.

The RSTC met 5–6 November 2019 in Niagara Falls, N.Y., USA.
Rakesh Dhaka, RSTC chair, gave an overview of some industry data and news. The change in global crude steel production from 2018 to 2019 is 4.9% higher. This increase is mostly contributed by China and India. Perhaps the most unexpected news was United States Steel Corporation’s 49.9% ownership stake in Big River Steel. 
Membership and attendance were reviewed. Overall, the RSTC membership has increased over the years and the attendance has been stable. 
The committee reviewed its AISTech 2020 technical session development. At the time of the meeting, 11 papers had been submitted for the RSTC. Papers chair Matt Chabes gave an overview of the papers and read aloud the abstracts. Currently two sessions are planned. He then asked for volunteers for session chairs and received seven volunteers. 
The winner of the Refractory Systems Best Paper Award was announced. A team of eight RSTC members evaluated the papers for the award. The award will be presented during AISTech 2020. 
A Japan Refractory Systems Study Tour was discussed, to be held possibly in fall 2020. The committee is hoping to visit Krosaki Japan, Shinagawa Refractories, TYK Japan, NDK, JFE Steel Corp. and Nippon Steel.
Jimmy Barrett gave an update on the Secondary Steelmaking Refractories seminar, which was held 14–17 October 2019. 
Presentations:

• “Regional Influences in Aluminosilicate Refractory Raw Material Selection,” by Scot Graddick, Imerys Refractories, Abrasives and Construction.

• “Composite Bricks: A ‘Cool-Shell Technology’ for the Cement Industry,” by Kyle Kingsbury, Duferco Steel Inc.

• “Burner Technologies for Heating Steelmaking Ladles,” by Russ Chapman, Firebridge Inc.

• “Introduction to Washington Mills,” by Matt Creedon, Washington Mills.

The next day, the RSTC visited the Washington Mills plant. Tours of this facility highlight mullite production, where the attendees were able to observe the EAF process, screening and rotary kiln, and finished products. 

Rakesh Dhaka (right) presented a plaque of appreciation to Dan Argona (middle) and Matt Creedon (left) of Washington Mills for hosting the RSTC’s tour.

The RSTC met 7 May 2019, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
The following officers were elected:

Chair: Rakesh Dhaka, U. S. Steel Research and Technology Center

Vice chair: Michael Anderson, Magneco/Metrel Inc.

Papers chair: Matthew Chabes, ArcelorMittal Indiana Harbor

Education chair: Jimmy Barrett, Allied Mineral Products Inc.

Young Professional chair: Kyle Kingsbury, Duferco

The CCTC, LSRTC and RSTC met jointly 13–14 February 2019, Jacksonville, Fla., USA.
CCTC and LSRTC Highlights:
The CCTC and LSRTC met jointly while the RSTC met separately in the morning on 13 February. Later that afternoon, the three committees convened for technical presentations. 
The CCTC and LSRTC opened their meeting with a review of the Steel Industry Fatalities report. It was noted that the number of fatalities was down, even with a high production level. Discussion included overhead cranes, man lifts, demolition and construction projects.
The CCTC and LSRTC reviewed their respective AISTech 2019 technical sessions, and session chairs were reminded of their responsibilities.
Jimmy Barrett gave some comments on the most recent Secondary Steelmaking Refractories training conference. Seventy-five people attended the conference, including 35 from steel-producing companies representing 17 different facilities.
The next Secondary Steelmaking Refractories conference will take place in San Antonio, Texas, USA, on 14–17 October 2019, with a tour of CMC Steel Texas.
Jeff Brower discussed the Continuous Casting training seminar. This year the seminar will take place in Memphis, Tenn., USA, on 21–24 October 2019 with tours of Nucor Steel Memphis Inc. (bar) and Nucor Steel–Arkansas (sheet).
Nominations for CCTC and LSRTC officers for the 2019–2020 term were discussed.
The Continuous Casting Roundup was reviewed. Ron O’Malley will email the roundup to the CCTC to enter their 2018 data. This roundup will be published in the July 2019 issue of Iron & Steel Technology.
The CCTC discussed locations for its next International Study Tour. Possible locations included South Korea and France.
RSTC Highlights:
The RSTC began its meeting by reviewing the 2018 Steel Industry Fatalities report, followed by a roundtable discussion. 
The committee finalized its technical session lineup for AISTech 2019.
Mike Anderson shared his experiences from the 2018 AIST Leadership Conference. 
Nominations for RSTC officers for the 2019–2020 term were discussed.
The AIST Digital Transformation Task Force meeting at AISTech 2019 will be held on Wednesday, 8 May. Rakesh Dhaka will represent the RSTC.
The RSTC’s Fall 2019 meeting will be held either in conjunction with the training seminar in San Antonio or at another tour site in September 2019. This will be determined during the RSTC’s meeting at AISTech 2019.
The Refractory Systems Best Paper Award was discussed. The award will be presented during the RSTC meeting at AISTech 2019.
The following presentations were given when the three committees gathered in the afternoon:

• “Steel Cleanliness Analysis at Nucor Steel–Berkeley,” by Abhishek Bhansali, Nucor Steel–Berkeley.

•  “An Update on Steel-Refractory Interactions Research at the PSMRC,” by Ron O’Malley, Missouri University of Science and Technology. 

• “CFP: Clean Flow Port SEN Design for Flow Optimization,” by Josef Riccio, Krosaki USA.

• “Physical Water Modeling of Slab SENs to Improve Steel Cleanness and Clogging by Assessing In-Mold Fluid Flow and Associated Turbulence,” by Andy Smith, Materials Processing Institute.

• “Steel Interactions With Refractory Focus: Ladle to Mold,” by Gregor Arth, RHI Magnesita.

The next day, the three committees toured CMC Steel  Florida.

The CCTC, LSRTC and RSTC toured CMC Steel Florida on 14 February. Ty Hall, works manager, and Bill Rider, plant engineer, accepted a plaque of appreciation from Ron O’Malley, AIST first vice president from Missouri University of Science and Technology (left to right): Helmut Oltmann, LSRTC chair; Hall; O’Malley, Rider; and Ian Deeks, CCTC chair.

The RSTC met 9–10 October 2018, Memphis, Tenn., USA.
The RSTC reviewed the 2018 Steel Industry Fatalities  report, followed by a roundtable discussion.
Matthew Chabes, papers chair, reviewed the AISTech 2019 technical  session development. The 10 abstracts that had been submitted as of the meeting have been divided into three sessions: Efficiency/Safety of Refractories, Refractory Maintenance and Refractory Enhancements. Abstracts can still be accepted to fill up the sessions. Session chairs were nominated, and the instructions for papers chair and session chair were reviewed.
Rakesh Dhaka discussed the selection process for the Refractory Systems Best Paper Award. The RSTC agreed to keep the same selection process for next year’s award.
Jimmy Barrett reviewed the agenda for Secondary Steelmaking Refractories — A Practical Training Seminar. As of the meeting, 65 people were registered to attend the seminar.
Technical presentations were given by the following attendees:

• Nick Snyder, Krosaki USA Inc. — “Slidegate Refractory Product Development.”

• James Hemrick, Reno Refractories Inc. — “Comparison of Slag Testing Engineering.”

• Tom Wakae, Shinagawa Americas Inc. — “Long-Service-Life, Cold-Start Ladle Shroud.”

• Rakesh Dhaka, U. S. Steel Research and Technology Center — “Hydration Resistance Study of Various Magnesia Bricks.”

Rakesh Dhaka (center), RSTC chair, presented a plaque of appreciation to Jack Reams (left) and Phillip Padlan (right) for hosting a tour of Big River Steel.

Rakesh Dhaka (left) and Michael Anderson (right) presented Lionel Rebouillat (center) with the RSTC service plaque at AISTech 2018.

The RSTC met 8 May 2018, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
The following officers were elected:

• Chair: Rakesh Dhaka, U. S. Steel Research and Technology Center

• Vice chair: Michael Anderson, Magneco/Metrel Inc.

• Papers chair: Matthew Chabes, ArcelorMittal Indiana Harbor

• Education chair: Jimmy Barrett, Allied Mineral Products Inc.

• Young Professional chair: Kyle Kingsbury, Duferco

The RSTC met 7–8 February 2018 in Calvert, Ala., USA. The RSTC reviewed the 2017 Steel Industry Fatalities report and held a safety roundtable discussion. Discussions were focused on areas of accidents. Representatives from three companies reviewed safety practices:

• Xin Zhang and Matthew Chabes of ArcelorMittal.

• Tom Stroia of Outokumpu Stainless USA LLC.

• Jerrod Kelly of Nucor Steel–Arkansas.

The RSTC’s technical sessions for AISTech 2018 were reviewed. Michael Anderson discussed the current papers and session layout. Lionel Rebouillat reviewed the important deadlines to meet and the roles of paper and session chairs.
The Refractory Systems Best Paper Award was discussed and subsequently presented at AISTech.
Nominations were taken for 2018–2019 RSTC officers.
Secondary Steelmaking Refractories — A Practical Training Seminar was reviewed. The seminar will be held in Charleston S.C., USA, on 22–25 October 2018.
A Young Professional recruitment subcommittee was brought up. Ryan Wolfred, AIST staff engineer, discussed AIST’s initiative to recruit new young members to get involved in Technology Committee activities, including adding a young professional recruitment chair to each committee. Kyle Kingsbury volunteered as chair.
Discussion then focused on future meetings. Suggestions included Charleston, S.C., with Secondary Steelmaking Refractories — A Practical Training Seminar; the Minnesota Iron Range; Big River Steel; and Rio Tinto in Canada.
The following technical presentations were given:

• “Magnesia Dolomite for Stainless AOD,” by Kyle Kingsbury, Duferco Steel Inc.

• “Recent Raw Material Increases in China and How the Pollution Control Agenda Is Affecting Them,” by Kyle Kingsbury.

• “EAF Refractories,” by Joydeep Dutta, Orind Special Refractories.

• “Case Study of Nucor Steel–Arkansas’ Thermbond Ladle Lips Rings,” by James Smith, Thermbond Refractory Solutions.

• “Raw Material in China Review and Status Update,” by Korey Skala, RHI Magnesita.

RSTC chair Lionel Rebouillat (right) presented a plaque to Tom Stroia (center) and Dennis Heimann (left) in appreciation for hosting a tour of Outokumpu Stainless USA LLC.

Guy Tremblay, senior coordinator supply, ArcelorMittal Contrecoeur East, accepted a plaque of recognition from Lionel Rebouillat, RSTC chair, for hosting the RSTC’s tour (left to right): Joydeep Dutta, Matthew Chabes, Patryk Stolp, Jimmy Barrett, Tremblay, Michael O’Dowd, Michael Anderson, Rebouillat, Yong Lee and Xin Zhang.

Pascal Gaudreau, senior process coordinator, ArcelorMittal Contrecoeur West, accepted a plaque of recognition from Lionel Rebouillat for hosting the RSTC’s tour (left to right): Julie Gagné, Matthew Chabes, Jimmy Barrett, Yong Lee, Gaudreau, Patryk Stolp, Joydeep Dutta, Rebouillat, Michael O’Dowd and Xin Zhang.

The RSTC met 4–5 October 2017, Montreal, Que., Canada. The RSTC discussed the 2017 Steel Industry Fatalities report, followed by a roundtable discussion. Committee members were reminded that they can and should contact active RSTC members for safety or process-related issues.
A review of the AISTech 2018 session development was led by Mike Anderson, papers chair. Four sessions are scheduled, with one being a joint session with the IMTC. Session chairs were selected, and the instructions for papers chair and session chair were reviewed.
A subcommittee has been formed to select the recipient of the Refractory Systems Best Paper Award. The award will go to the best refractory systems paper presented at AISTech 2017.
Jimmy Barrett, education chair, presented a revised program for Secondary Steelmaking Refractories — A Practical Training Seminar. This course was held on  23–26 October 2017.
Lionel Rebouillat encouraged RSTC members to reach out to producers to participate in committee activities.

The following attendees gave technical presentations:

• Dave Ehrhart, Magnesita: Zero-emissions refractory technology.

• James Smith, Stellar Materials: Poly-crystalline alumina fiber.

• Joydeep Dutta, Orind: Magnesia-carbon refractories for EAF and ladles.

• Patryk Stolp, Vesuvius: Steel temperature homogenization in the tundish.

	Lionel Rebouillat (right) presented Xin Zhang (left) with the RSTC service plaque.

The RSTC met 9 May 2017, Nashville, Tenn., USA.

The following officers were elected:

• Chair: Lionel Rebouillat, Pyrotek Canada Inc.

• Vice chair: Rakesh Dhaka, U. S. Steel Research and Technology Center

• Papers chair: Michael Anderson, Magneco/Metrel Inc.

	Lionel Rebouillat presented a plaque of appreciation to Wayne Allen for hosting the RSTC’s tour of Steel Dynamics Inc. – Flat Roll Group Columbus (left to right): Xin Zhang, Allen, Rebouillat and Jimmy Barrett.

The RSTC met 22–23 February 2017, Columbus, Miss., USA. The RSTC reviewed the latest Steel Industry Fatalities statistics and held an open roundtable discussion on safety.
The group reviewed the RSTC’s technical program development for AISTech 2017, which includes seven sessions, four of which are being held jointly with other Technology Committees.
Committee officers for 2017–2018 were discussed and elections will take place during the RSTC meeting at AISTech 2017.
Secondary Steelmaking Refractories — A Practical Training Seminar, which was held in October 2016, was reviewed, noting a good turnout of producer members and overall attendance. Planning is underway for the next installment, to be held 23–26 October 2017 in Milwaukee, Wis., USA, with a tour of Charter Steel – Saukville.
The RSTC discussed future meeting locations and tours. The fall 2017 meeting is tentatively planned for early October in Montreal, Que., Canada, with a tour of ArcelorMittal Long Products Canada.

The following technical presentations were given:

• “Improved Bottom Optimized Solution (IBOS),” by Korey Skala, RHI.

• “Tundish Design: Yield Enhancing System — Impact and Advantages,” by Dan Schaner, Vesuvius.

The RSTC enjoyed a tour of Steel Dynamics Inc. – Flat Roll Group Columbus during their meeting on 22–23 February 2016.

The LSRTC and RSTC met 13 October 2016, Birmingham, Ala., USA co-located with Secondary Steelmaking Refractories — A Practical Training Seminar. The LSRTC and RSTC held separate business meetings and convened as a group for technical presentations.
During their separate meetings, each committee reviewed the 2016 Steel Industry Fatalities report, followed by a safety roundtable discussion on the cause, age, area and annual breakdown of incidents.
Rakesh Dhaka, RSTC papers chair, led a discussion on the RSTC’s AISTech 2017 technical sessions. Twenty-nine papers have been selected and organized into six sessions, three of which will be held jointly with other committees. Matt Hallam discussed the LSRTC’s technical session development, which includes 21 abstracts. Session titles and chairs were identified and the roles of the session chairs and papers chair were reviewed.
The 2017 AIST RSTC Best Paper Award was discussed, along with the development of evaluation criteria. The winner of the 2017 AIST Ladle and Secondary Refining Best Paper Award was announced. These awards will be presented at each committee’s respective meeting at AISTech 2017 in May.
Jimmy Barrett, LSRTC education chair, reviewed Secondary Steelmaking Refractories — A Practical Training Seminar, noting a good producer turnout this year. The next conference will be held 23–26 October 2017 in Milwaukee, Wis., USA. Charter Steel – Saukville will serve as host plant.

The following presentations were given:

• “Refractory Choice for Steel Ladles,” by Cassie Martin, D. Martin Enterprises.

• “Effect of Steel Mill Refractory Practices on Ladle Shell Lives and Update on Technical Report No. 9,” by Matt Nousak, Middough LLC.

Xin Zhang (left) presented the RSTC service plaque to Albert Dainton (right).

The RSTC met 17 May 2016, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.

The RSTC and LSRTC met 10–11 February 2016, Mobile, Ala., USA. The 2015–2016 Steel Industry Fatalities statistics were reviewed, followed by a safety roundtable discussion.
The committees reviewed their technical sessions for AISTech 2016. LSRTC has five sessions scheduled, and the RSTC has four. The role of the session chair was reviewed.
Nominations for committee officers for the 2016–2017 term were accepted and approved.
Jimmy Barrett discussed the evaluations from Secondary Steelmaking Refractories — A Practical Training Seminar attendees. Seminar presenters were given their individual appraisals from the attendees.
The LSRTC and RSTC will hold another joint meeting in October in Birmingham, Ala., USA, with a tour of CMC Steel Alabama. The meeting will focus on ladle campaigns/ladle deformation.
The following technical presentations were given:

• “Technology Update on Laser Monitoring of Metallurgical Vessels,” by Michel Bonin of Process Metrix.

• “Experiences With Laser Monitoring at SSAB Mobile,” by Greg Manfredi of SSAB.

• “Latest Techniques in IR Thermal Imaging of Metallurgical Vessels,” by Tom Connors of Connors Industrials Inc.

• “Experiences With Laser Monitoring at ArcelorMittal Burns Harbor,” by Sanjay Kumar of ArcelorMittal Burns Harbor.

• “Auto Tracking of Steel Plant Ladles Using RFID-Wireless Systems,” by Federico Ahualli of AustralTek LLC.

The Ladle & Secondary Refining Technology Committee and the Refractory Systems Technology Committee toured SSAB Mobile during their joint meeting on 10–11 February 2016.