Interaction between multiple phases especially liquid-gas is one of the most common phenomena in industrial systems. Computer Vision enables modern systems to derive an automated and robust image-processing technique to address this issue. However, diverse experimental conditions still make it a challenging task to overcome. In Deep Learning, instance segmentation has created a niche in various computer vision applications as it aims to provide different instance IDs to objects belonging to the same class. In this paper, we propose a novel approach employing the YOLO (You Look Only Once) an end-to-end deep learning architecture for the detection and segmentation of bubbles in fluid flows. YOLOv5 offers significant improvements in both speed and accuracy compared to its predecessors like YOLOv3. Therefore, we train the YOLOv5 network on a dataset consisting of annotated images representing instances of bubbles across varied fluid flow environments. This paper provides both qualitative and quantitative evaluation of three YOLOv5 networks (small, medium, and extra-large) in detecting and segmenting bubbles with high accuracy and efficiency. Based on the metrics all three YOLOv5 models achieved high precision above 0.98 for bounding box detection and 0.97 for segmentation mask, and high recall value greater than 0.97 for box and 0.96 for mask quality was achieved. The achieved results indicate that the models accurately localize bubbles within the image frame, and distinguish bubble pixels from the background. Also, mean average precision (mAP50-95) consistently exceeds 0.84 across all models for the bounding box and 0.73 for the segmentation mask. The ascertained results emphasize the potential of YOLOv5 architecture as a powerful tool for automated bubble analysis in real-world applications. Our research contributes to advancing the field of deep neural networks in fluid systems and provides a fresh approach for future developments in automated bubble analysis.

Steel wire is an important product in modern industries and is widely used in different applications. Where higher strength or durability is required, a heat treatment known as patenting is applied. This heat treatment uses molten lead as a coolant to form a fine-lamellar pearlite microstructure. Since lead is toxic, there are constant efforts to make the process environment as safe as possible as well as to replace lead baths. The first step for a possible replacement is a good understanding of the current boundary conditions. Therefore, an experimental setup was designed to measure the cooling curve of wire samples with different wire diameters and steel grades directly at two industrial lead baths. Furthermore, an inverse calculation method was developed to calculate the heat transfer coefficients from the cooling curves. The experimental setup, the evaluation method, and the resulting heat transfer coefficients are presented. The results show that the heat transfer coefficients vary with the sample diameter and velocity but not the lead bath temperature or steel grade. In addition, a comparison with correlations from literature was conducted.

The internal recycling of iron-rich fine residues is a crucial process for reducing the raw material loss and the carbon footprint in sustainable ironmaking and steelmaking. Traditionally, cement has been used as a binder to ensure the structural integrity of agglomerates during transport and charging. While cementitious binder can achieve the necessary structural support, it contributes significantly to the carbon footprint. This study investigated the effects of alternative biogenic binders and varying compaction pressures on the physical and mechanical properties of agglomerates produced from three different types of fine residues from steel (SR) and cast-iron (FR) production. In addition, the self-reducing capability and degree of metallization of these agglomerates were evaluated through pyrometallurgical experiments in a Tammann furnace. The resulting agglomerates exhibited sufficient mechanical strength and high iron recovery rates. These findings confirm that biogenic binders can effectively replace cementitious binders without compromising the self-reduction performance of the agglomerates.

The 5th Aachen Thermoprocess Colloquium brought together experts from academia, research institutions, and industry to discuss current developments and future challenges in industrial furnace and thermo-process technology, with a particular focus on CO ₂ reduction and sustainable thermo-processes. Held on 23–24 September 2025 at the Parkhotel Quellenhof in Aachen, Germany, the colloquium continued a well-established series that connects the thermo-process community from research and industry. In this fifth edition, the originally German-speaking community was intentionally extended to a broader European network, with additional contributions from international partners enriching both the technical programme and the networking opportunities. Organised in association with the European Steel Technology Platform (ESTEP) and European Aluminium, the conference offered a programme spanning the full range from fundamental investigations and modelling through pilot-scale demonstrations to industrial application studies in areas such as electrification, hydrogen and plasma-based heating, advanced kiln concepts, and digital tools including virtual reality. Contributions accepted for online publication underwent peer review, ensuring that the present proceedings capture high-quality, state-of-the-art results relevant to the decarbonisation and modernisation of thermo-process technology.

Impingement jets are used in many applications for high convective heat transfer. In order to optimise specialised nozzle systems, a comprehensive understanding of the gas flow is essential. The aim of this work is to investigate high-convective flows at Re = 10,000 to Re = 50,000 for a single slot nozzle (slot width W = 5 mm) and a slot nozzle array (distance between nozzle slots s = 70 mm) consisting of five nozzles. Particle image velocimetry measurements are taken for a distance between strip and nozzle exit of H = 50 mm and are compared to verify if the results from a single slot nozzle are transferable to a nozzle array. The presence of an array of nozzles not only creates a distinct zone where the individual jets interact but also changes the flow characteristics of the respective free jets. The potential core length in the nozzle field is significantly reduced compared to the single nozzle. It is therefore not possible to make a direct transfer of the results. Direct transferability of the results is therefore not possible. This means that further studies on whole arrays are needed to optimise nozzle arrays.