Shougang expands production capacity with new annealing and pickling line by SMS group
In February 2024, the first coil was successfully produced on the new annealing and pickling line (APL), supplied by SMS group, at Shougang Zhixin Qian'an Electromagnetic Material, China.
The new annealing and pickling line forms part of an integrated production complex for the manufacture of non-grain-oriented electrical steel and stands as the largest facility of its kind globally. SMS group supplied the essential production equipment for the APL, including the X-Pact® electrical and automation systems. The line represents the 12th silicon steel line supplied by SMS group within the complex and underscores the continuous growth and development of the partnership.
With this new APL, Shougang will expand the production capacity of high-grade non-grain-oriented electrical steel strip with high silicon content at its existing production site in Hebei province by 650,000 tons of hot rolled strip.
This end material will be used in rotating electrical devices such as drives and generators, where the improved isotropic magnetic properties are imperative for efficiency and loss reduction. Therefore, the material makes for example electric vehicles more resource saving and environmental friendly.
Key features of the APL:
- Advanced turbulence pickling technology: by injecting pickling liquid through spray heads into the channel, a turbulent flow is generated increasing pickling efficiency and processing speed.
- Horizontal tank configuration: the sequential configuration of the pickling and rinsing tanks allows for adequate scale removal even at high strip speeds.
- Advanced sludge removal system: ensures seamless operation with maximum output and minimal maintenance efforts.
- Tailored terminal equipment: Supports the specific requirements of hot rolled electrical steel strip production.