JFE Steel Corporation announced today that it has developed a system that uses advanced data-science technology to automatically monitor raw-material belt conveyors for potential problems, aiming to achieve more stable operations and improved productivity at its steelmaking sites in Japan. The system has been installed at the raw material yards of JFE Steels’ East Japan Works (Chiba District) and West Japan Works (Kurashiki District), with plans to roll out the system to all yards in the company’s domestic network.

Raw material yards are where iron ore, coal and other raw materials for steelmaking are unloaded, stored and transported. Multiple conveyors are installed across these large yards to transport raw materials directly to upstream processes. Problems with such systems, however, can have a major impact on operations, which is why belt conveyors must be monitored constantly.

JFE Steel’s new monitoring system (Figure 1) uses AI image-recognition and other data science technologies to automatically detect damage to conveyor belts by examining images captured with video cameras installed on the conveyor equipment (Figure 2). Notably, the system enables continuous monitoring of all belts in a yard, which can total up to two kilometers in length.

The same video images can also be used to confirm if a belt edge ever becomes misaligned. In addition, 3D sensors monitor the status of payloads to ensure they remain properly positioned on the conveyor belts.

A video management system (VMS) contributes to labor savings by allowing operators in a control room to confirm analysis results at a glance.

JFE Steel is steadily raising its operational productivity and stability through digital transformation (DX) initiatives, including the establishment of the JFE Digital Transformation Center (JDXC^®) and the construction of cyber–physical systems at steelworks and other facilities. The company is committed to utilizing innovative DX to realize more sustainable manufacturing.

Figure 1: Automated belt-conveyor monitoring system

Figure 2: Example of damaged belt detection

About JFE Steel Corporation

JFE Steel Corporation, one of the world’s leading integrated steel producers, was established through the consolidation of NKK Corporation and Kawasaki Steel Corporation in 2003. The company operates several steelworks in Japan and numerous branch offices and affiliates throughout the world. JFE Steel leverages world-class technologies and know-how to produce a wide range of products based on its “Only One, Number One” strategy of focusing on unique and best-in-class products. The company reported consolidated sales of 2,255 billion yen and consolidated crude steel output of 23.96 million tons in the fiscal year ended March 2021.

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