ArcelorMittal Eisenhüttenstadt launches hot strip mill automation platform
ArcelorMittal Eisenhüttenstadt has produced the first coil after upgrading the automation solution at its hot-rolling mill. It is the first mill be fully equipped with Primetals’ latest state-of-the-art automation platform, Kallanish hears from the technology supplier.
The implementation was carried out during scheduled maintenance periods in two steps for the finishing mill and coiler area, and the roughing mill, respectively. With the new automation equipment and software, operators at the hot-rolling mill now benefit from higher availability, according to Primetals.
During the migration, core functions remained in operation, allowing operators and maintenance staff to immediately navigate the software with ease. The automation devices were mainly installed in the former system’s control cabinets, resulting in a short and swift implementation period. Joint preparations and top-level performance of the automation platform were key factors in bringing the plant back to normal production in a short time, Primetals notes.
Christian Koehl Germany
Blastr chooses Primetals and Midrex for greenfield mill
Blastr Green Steel has selected Primetals Technologies as its technology partner for the planned steel plant in Inkoo, Finland, which will produce 2.5 million tonnes/year of ultra-low-CO2 steel.
The partnership encompasses the design of a direct reduced iron plant, an electric steelmaking melt shop, an Arvedi ESP line, and a continuous pickling and galvanizing line. Primetals will develop the up to 100% hydrogen-based DRI plant in collaboration with Midrex Technologies.
The Midrex H2TM plant, powered by up to 100% green hydrogen, will produce hot DRI for direct charging, as well as hot-briquetted iron, enabling Blastr to provide iron feedstock for customers.
Primetals will be responsible for the full electrics and automation, including advanced automation systems and solutions for optimised production management. “The production process will be optimised with digitalisation, enhanced use of robot technology, and advanced solutions for remote control,” says Andreas Viehboeck, head of Upstream Technologies at Primetals.
The secondary metallurgy equipment, consisting of a ladle furnace and an RH vacuum degasser, will enable Blastr to produce top-quality steel grades for the automotive sector, among other industries, Kallanish understands. In addition, Primetals will provide a system to treat off-gases and a plant to recover waste heat for the electric steel plant, ensuring energy is reused efficiently.
Christian Koehl Germany