Siemens to modernize hot strip mill cooling for ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe in Duisburg-Bruckhausen

Siemens VAI Metals Technologies has been commissioned by ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe AG to upgrade the entire strip cooling system in its hot strip mill 1 at Duisburg-Bruckhausen in Germany to the latest state of the art. This involves the installation of a rough strip cooling system, an intensive “Power Cooling” section and a new laminar cooling unit. The value of the order is more than ten million euros and the project is due for completion by the end of 2013.

The Siemens strip cooling system for the hot strip mill in Duisburg-Bruckhausen comprises a rough strip cooling unit and a finished strip cooling unit, which consists of one intensive and one laminar cooling section. The rough strip cooling is installed behind the Z3 roughing stand in the area of the intermediate roller table. This ensures an even temperature over the entire length and width of the rough strip before it enters the finishing train. At the same time it enables the throughput of the entire rolling mill train to be increased.

At the exit of the finishing train, an intensive “Power Cooling” section is installed. A similar system has already been in operation in the hot strip mill 2 at ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe in Duisburg-Beeckerwerth since December 2010. The new cooling stretch in Duisburg-Bruckhausen is both powerful and extremely flexible. It can also be used for all materials that have to be cooled promptly. In order to reduce the temperature to a specific level, the flow rates of the adjustable-height spray headers can be regulated separately. A newly installed tank supplies the spray booms with water. At particularly high cooling rates, high-performance pumps can also be switched on. In this way, the cooling can be adapted to the type of steel produced in each case, and is both efficient and energy saving.

The laminar cooling section begins immediately after the intensive cooling and the two systems are usually operated together. The laminar cooling is designed for all varieties of steel, but particularly for multi-phase steels that require uninterrupted cooling. The spray booms are individually controlled and their flow rates regulated so that the optimum temperature can be monitored over the entire cooling process.

With this new cooling section, ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe now has one of the most modern plants of its kind in the world. In addition to the mechanical and electrical equipment, Siemens also supplies the necessary fluid systems and the automation technology, including a universal temperature control. This facilitates integrated control of the strip temperature from the roughing train through to the coiler. For a model-based forecast of the physical properties of the rolling mill products, the “Microstructure Monitor” is used.

For further information of solutions for steelworks, rolling mills and processing lines, visit: http://www.siemens.com/metals

The Siemens Industry Sector (Erlangen, Germany) is the worldwide leading supplier of environmentally friendly production, transportation and building technologies. With integrated automation technologies and comprehensive industry-specific solutions, Siemens increases the productivity, efficiency and flexibility of its customers in the fields of industry and infrastructure. In fiscal 2010, which ended on September 30, 2010, revenue from continuing operations of the Industry Sector (excluding Osram) totaled around €30.2 billion. At the end of September 2010, Siemens Industry Sector had around 164,000 employees worldwide without consideration of Osram. Further information is available on the Internet at: www.siemens.com/industry

The Siemens Industry Solutions Division (Erlangen, Germany) is one of the world's leading solution and service providers for industrial and infrastructure facilities comprising the business activities of Siemens VAI Metals Technologies, Water Technologies and Industrial Technologies. Activities include engineering and installation, operation and service for the entire life cycle. A wide-ranging portfolio of environmental solutions helps industrial companies to use energy, water and equipment efficiently, reduce emissions and comply with environmental guidelines. With around 29,000 employees worldwide (September 30), Siemens Industry Solutions posted sales of €6.0 billion in fiscal year 2010. www.siemens.com/industry-solutions

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