Title

ENHANCED SOLUTIONS FOR COMPLEX ROLLING MILL MODERNIZATION PROJECTS

Authorship

Pronold, Klaus

Pronold, Klaus

I am this author

DOI

10.5151/1983-4764-27617

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Abstract

Once installed rolling mills can look forward to a long life. Around 40% of the 140 conventional hot strip mills presently in operation were built between 1960 and 1970. 17 of the 29 CSP®-plants were commissioned before the year 2000 and have automation platforms that are obsolete and/or have outdated rolling technology. Keeping pace with the market requirements is an ongoing challenge for producers of flat steel. It is a real balancing act keeping production facilities performing at necessary levels, safeguarding the investment and keeping outage periods to a minimum. To overcome these demanding factors and strike the right balance allowing for the production of higher grade steel that meets the current market price the installation of mechanical equipment as well as automation platforms and process technology must meet the latest technology standards. Being discussed in this paper are the different motives for modernizations along with their impact on project handling and commissioning philosophies. Experience gained during recent modernization projects in the field of flat steel rolling relating to Steckel / plate mills or current CSP® modernizations will be shared and demonstrate that each modernization has its own individual solution. Specific strategies are explained to help optimize production, increase plant agility and maximize the return on investment.

Keywords

Hot strip mill, CSP®-plant, Steckel mill, Steckel looper, Super reinforced laminar cooling, Plug & Work test, Camber-free rolling, CVC®, PCFC®

PCFC®