Increased productivity and improved plant safety

Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH has awarded SMS group  the order to upgrade the Salzgitter hot strip mill. This revamp concerns the coiler section of the hot strip mill (HSM), which has been in operation since 1963. The main objectives of the modification of the No. 1 and 2 coilers are to increase pinch roll life and dramatically reduce the maintenance requirement of the pinch roll unit. During its 57 years of operation, the HSM has been systematically modernized, keeping it continuously at the state of the art. SMS group has actively supported this process as supplier and technology partner.

About ten years ago (2010 to 2011), for example, SMS group carried out essential upgrading work on various sections of the HSM, including the installation of a third hot strip coiler, configured as a UNI plus coiler. This coiler is capable of coiling pipe grade strip up to 25.4 millimeters thick. This and the other measures implemented during that upgrade boosted the hot strip mill’s productivity and product quality.

Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH’s experience with the latest No. 3 coiler has been excellent. Particularly, the maintenance effort is very low, among others thanks to the polishing devices integrated into the pinch roll unit. The polishing devices keep the pinch rolls clean, thus significantly reducing maintenance in this area. Manual grinding, for example, is usually no longer required. Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH now intends to transfer these benefits also to its hot strip coilers 1 and 2.

For these coilers, SMS group is now supplying new rocker arms equipped with the latest generation of polishing devices. For the bottom pinch rolls, new polishing devices will be fitted to the pinch roll housings. The existing switch gates will be equipped with hydraulic position and force controllers. This integrated solution will increase the life of the pinch rolls and significantly reduce pinch roll maintenance.

SMS group's scope of supply includes the delivery of the mechanical components, the X-Pact® electrical and automation systems, and the installation of the equipment.

To minimize interruptions during ongoing production, the revamp will take place in 2021 during the main scheduled maintenance shutdowns.

Source and photo: SMS group