Marcegaglia to revamp Sheffield mill, boost output
Marcegaglia’s Stainless division in the UK is set to enhance the productivity of its Sheffield mini-mill through a strategic modernisation investment carried out by Primetals, Kallanish learns from the equipment maker.
A Marcegaglia spokesperson confirms the company will increase output when the revamp is completed, going from the current 300,000 tonnes to 500,000-550,000 t/year.
Marcegaglia has ordered a latest generation electric arc furnace to replace the existing unit, along with a de-dusting system, the representative confirms. The revamp will include an extensive automation upgrade, which Primetals will execute in three phases for immediate, medium-term, and long-term modernisation.
The equipment maker conducted a Through-Process Optimization (TPO) study, a detailed analysis of Sheffield’s steelmaking process, identifying bottlenecks and improvement measures.
The supply includes the optimisation of several systems, including a scrap yard supervisor producing cost-optimised scrap recipes, visualising process data, and recording loading. It will also receive intelligent sensors, such as a scrap basket profile, EAF Optimiser, AOD Optimiser, and LF Optimiser.
“As a first step, Primetals Technologies will install Melt Expert, a fully automated electrode control system for electric arc and ladle furnaces. Mid-term plans include the implementation of process optimisation software (Level 2) for the electric arc furnace (EAF), argon-oxygen decarburization (AOD), and ladle furnace (LF) plants, all of which are currently missing from the automation landscape. Long-term plans include the replacement of the electric arc furnace to accommodate the future productivity increase … The ultimate goal is to increase productivity, which will require introducing an additional production shift,” Primetals says in a note.
According to Marcegaglia, works will start as soon as possible in 2025 and be completed potentially by end-2026.
Natalia Capra France
