Michael graduated with a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Cardiff University in 2006. He continued his studies at Swansea University's Steel Technology Centre where he is in his final year of the Engineering Doctorate scheme, in collaboration with Corus Strip Products UK, researching the failures, design and life prediction of furnace heating elements.

Radiant Tube Failure Mechanisms and Design

Process reliability, component longevity and cost savings are hot topics in a steel industry enduring a difficult financial climate. Processes are being analysed to identify potential gains, none more so than the annealing furnace of the continuous annealing line at Corus Strip Products, Port Talbot.

One of the major annual costs is the replacement of failed radiant tubes, which are being replaced at a rate of 10% per year. The performance of the furnace has been benchmarked against other annealing lines in the Corus business unit while a material failure analysis has been conducted. Furnace temperature has been analysed under varying furnace loading and the temperature data is used in a finite element study to determine thermal stress and life prediction. Findings from this project will provide knowledge on radiant tube failures and recommendations on tube design to improve life and reduce replacement costs.

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