Alexander Reske, Project Manager for SMS comments on the success story:
As the project leader, I am thrilled to announce the successful completion of our project to build a state-of-the-art Steckel Mill Plant that sets a global benchmark in rolling of stainless steel strips. This achievement highlights our innovative capabilities and commitment to excellence. The basis for this success is the outstanding teamwork and commitment of each and every member of our team. Your cooperative spirit, tireless effort and commitment to excellence have made this success possible.
As a system supplier, SMS group supplied the integrated solution of mechanical equipment, fluid systems and automation of the new state-of-the-art twin-stand Steckel mill. The project team consisted of specialists from SDE and SDT. Essential equipment scopes includes a primary descaler, a four-high reversing roughing mill with attached edger mill and a drum shear upstream of the Steckel stands. This centerpieces of the hot rolling line are the two four-high stands with one Steckel furnace each in the entry and exit section. The Steckel stands feature our proven CVC® plus technology (Continuously Variable Crown) for work roll shifting which provides a superior setting range for the roll gap. In conjunction with the negative work roll bending, the profile and flatness are precisely adjusted and product tolerances are achieved which correspond to those in modern hot strip mills of conventional configuration.
The electrical and automation systems of the new twin-stand Steckel mill includes the power supply and main drives, sensors, measuring devices and instrumentation, as well as the basic and process automation for the plant. Before delivery, the X-Pact® electrical and automation system was prepared and optimized for efficient commissioning by means of the X-Pact® Plug & Work integration test.
The modularized Level 1 software architecture was for the first time applied to the Steckel mill automation. With this approach, the system can reply to requests much faster to guarantee flawless production performance.
Qu, Xiong, General Manager for electrical and automation scope of supply adds: “We are proud of the results achieved by our Xinhai site team, successfully rolling five coils in continuous operation mode with a width of 1500 mm down to a final thickness of 2.0 mm. This achievement is a testament to our integrated solutions and the hard work we put in during the integration tests.”
All this makes the flexible plant optimally equipped for the production of stainless and acid-resistant steels.