BRITAIN’S steel industry could be saved thanks to new imaging technology, a university scientist claimed yesterday.

Bath university’s Dr Manuch Soleimani received a three-year grant to lead the Shell-Thick project, which will significantly improve the continuous casting process of steel.

The new system provides a real-time, non-destructive and reliable method of measuring the molten steel to detect any defects or fails as it solidifies and becomes a market product.

A kind of contactless bracelet will be formed around the billet of molten steel and take continuous measurements as the steel solidifies.

By enabling industry to continuously monitor and alter the cooling process of steel, this innovative method will improve the quality, safety, productivity, costs and ultimately competitiveness of both the British and EU steel industries, the scientist believes.

Mr Soleimani said: “This is an exciting and yet very challenging project that will have a great impact in helping in the competitive production of high quality steel, which is very important for the sustainable future of the UK and European steel industry.”