Product Innovation
Led by its Research and Sustainability (R&S) department, Qatar Steel’s efforts in innovation are outlined in its Sustainability Roadmap and center on four key objectives: new product development, recycling and sustainability, process improvement, and cost reduction. The department works across all levels of operations to improve product innovation, development and sustainability.
High Strength Rebar (QS 600 Rebar)
In 2017, Qatar Steel received the Product Conformity Certification for its newly developed product, high strength rebar QS 600 (10 to 32 mm) from CARES, UK.
Over the years, rebar with yield strength 420MPa, 460MPa, 500MPa, etc., conforming to BS 4449/ASTM A 615 specifications, were available in Qatar. Rebar with higher strength (i.e. YS>600MPa) reduces the steel consumption by around 20 – 25% in construction, which in turn lowers the overall cost of structure. Using high strength rebar can also lead to a reduction in the column size of heavily loaded structures, and there is relief from rebar congestion. In line with this aim, the R&S department explored and successfully developed high strength rebar QS 600 to cater to the Qatari and international markets.
Steel Slag Optimization
In April 2017, Qatar Steel’s R&S department presented its research on the optimization of steel slag in construction and road asphalting. The department conducted this research project in collaboration with TRL-UK, the Qatari Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME) and Ashghal. During the seminar, key stakeholders presented the outcome of this research, proving that steel slag is usable as an aggregate in construction applications and is compliant with Qatar Construction Specifications (QCS 2014).
Speakers from MME, Ashghal, TRL
Presentation from Dr. Saif Al-Khuwari -MME
Research on Corrosion Performance of Epoxy Coated Rebar
In collaboration with the Center for Advanced Materials (CAM), Qatar University conducted research on the corrosion performance of epoxy coated rebar produced at Qatar Metals Coating Company (Q-Coat) and published a detailed project report highlighting the corrosion performance of epoxy coated rebar in the Qatari marine environment. The report was shared extensively with many construction companies and contractors to promote awareness on the benefit of using ECR in a saline environment.
Dololime Fines Briquetting
In 2017, the R&S department successfully conducted a briquetting trial to produce dololime briquettes from dololime fines generated from Qatar Steel’s Lime Calcination Plant. Briquettes are produced on a regular basis as and when required at Qatar Steel’s Byproducts Briquetting Plant, and eventually consumed in the steelmaking furnaces.
Dololime Fines Briquettes
EBT Automatic Filing System
A notable safety improvement project, Qatar Steel is working to create an Eccentric Bottom Tap (EBT) automatic filling system in 2018, which would increase operators’ safety. The EBT automatic filing system would avoid manual operations from the top of the EBT panel, after tapping, and reduces the exposure of EAF operators to the hazards of slips, trips, and working under high thermal load during filling or inspection of EBT.