How did you end up as a researcher at Tata Steel?
“I’ve always worked at the intersection of engineering, data, and process optimization,” says Victor Ruela. The Brazilian researcher held roles at companies like Primetals Technologies and Anglo American before starting a PhD at TU Wien in 2022. “When I came across a PhD project on ladle logistics in collaboration with Tata Steel, I was immediately excited. The topic was a perfect fit for my background and gave me the opportunity to make a real impact in an industrial setting.” Victor’s research is part of CESAREF, a European research network for sustainable refractories.
What are you currently working on?
Victor is researching how the use of ladles can become more sustainable and efficient. The word ladle literally means "scoop" in Dutch, but in the steel industry it refers to the large steel vessels with refractory linings used to transport molten steel around the plant. “It’s not just about transportation. Ladles play a crucial role in temperature control and steel quality. My work focuses on three things: identifying patterns in refractory wear using historical data, modeling decision-making around ladle use at both short and long time scales, and developing a system that uses real-time data to predict and advise. That way, the impact of every decision becomes visible.”
How does this help the transition to green steel?
“Ladles are often overlooked, but they’re critical to a plant’s energy consumption and emissions. If you don’t use them efficiently, you lose a lot of heat, wear down the refractory lining faster, and experience process delays. That leads to higher costs and extra CO₂ emissions. Now that the steel industry is moving toward green steel, with new production routes, stricter environmental regulations and rising energy costs, it’s more important than ever to make every kilowatt and every minute count. Even in the future process, ladles will remain essential. My research helps make this part of the process as efficient and sustainable as possible.”
What is the most fascinating thing you’ve discovered?
“That smart algorithms help you make better decisions, even when your data is incomplete or messy. Machine learning helps identify patterns, such as how quickly a ladle wears down. Optimization models then translate those insights into concrete decisions: which ladle to use when, and when to schedule maintenance. It’s fascinating to see how technology that often feels abstract can directly contribute to cleaner and more efficient steel production.”
What do you want people to know about your work at Tata Steel?
“There are so many moving parts in this process, and everything needs to work in sync. Take ladles, for example—they’re not just simple transport tools. They’re a critical part of the operation. Managing an entire ladle fleet under constantly changing conditions is incredibly complex—but it’s exactly where smart technology can make a big difference.”
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