TEHRAN - Iranian technologists from a knowledge-based company succeeded in producing nano-based parts for the copper and steel industries which ensures process safety, increases the useful life of equipment, and improves production quality.
“One of these parts is the ladle melt outlet valve, which operates through a special hole when the melt is transferred from the ladle to the tundish container. At this stage, the outlet valve is responsible for directing the flow of the melt to the tundish,” said Mehdi Barkhordar, the production manager of the knowledge-based company active in the field of industrial ceramics.
Noting that the function of the gas blowing valve is to protect and maintain the process plug, he said, “To remove impurities in the melt, a part called the process plug is used at the bottom of the ladle, through which gas is blown into the melt and purifies it.”
“Among the advantages of the produced well blocks are high resistance to thermomechanical stresses at high temperatures, high thermal shock resistance, corrosion resistance, increased useful life of the ladle, and reduced maintenance costs,” Barkhordar said.
In a relevant development in September, a research by the Iranian scientists at Niroo Research Institute showed that the use of nanotechnology in thermal power plants can increase the efficiency of electricity generation by 30 percent.
Also, the study showed that the use of artificial intelligence in these power plants reduces fuel consumption and the amount of pollutants by 40 percent.
“The use of nanostructured insulators like silica aerogels and advanced nanocomposites significantly reduces heat losses in power plants. These insulators, which are lightweight and resistant to high temperatures of up to 1,000 degrees Celsius, reduce maintenance and repair costs and increase the durability of equipment,” said Majid Mirzayee, the deputy director of the Specialized Center for Innovation and Development of Nanotechnology at Niroo Research Institute.
He underlined the role of nanocatalysts and membrane nanofilters in refining diesel fuel, and said, “Nanocatalysts and membrane nanofilters reduce the emission of harmful gases and suspended particles by removing sulfur compounds and heavy metals. Fuel nanoemulsions also increase thermal efficiency by improving the combustion process and reduce the amount of soot and pollutants by up to 40 percent.” Mirzayee also pointed to the use of resistant nanocoatings on turbine blades, compressors and boilers, saying, “These nanocoatings increase resistance to corrosion, wear and heat and prevent premature destruction. Nanofluids also help increase efficiency and reduce resource consumption by improving heat transfer in exchangers and nanofilters by purifying inlet air and cooling water.”