Application of radioisotope automatic control system at Helwan Iron and Steel Complex

In the Iron and Steel Complex at Helwan, Cairo, Egypt, radioisotope and X-ray devices of automatic control and regulation have been introduced. Radioisotope automatics is successfully applied in sinter, blast furnace, steel casting and rolling mills production. Now at Helwan Plant 172 devices are operating based on ionizing radiation. These devices are described in this paper. Specific characters and advantages of automatic control and regulation methods using ionizing radiations over the commonly used methods offers a new possibility to solve problems of automatising the metallurgical processes involving handling of aggressive and explosive materials at high temperature and pressure, increased dust-air pollution with gas and air humidity. Methods of control and automation based on application of radioactive isotopes and ionizing radiation favour sophistication of technology, intensification of production, improvement of product quality and increase of labour productivity