Siemens to modernize main drives on hot strip mill for voestalpine Stahl in Linz

Siemens has won an order from Austrian company voestalpine Stahl GmbH to modernize the main drives on the hot strip mill at the company's plant in Linz. The drive control system will be integrated into the existing automation environment and reflect the latest state of the art. Modernization work will take place step-by-step during short maintenance shutdowns and is due to be completed in the spring of 2013.

Following conversion, voestalpine Stahl's hot strip mill will produce 4.8 million tonnes of hot-rolled strip per annum in thicknesses ranging from 1.5 to 20 millimeters and widths of between 700 and 1,750 millimeters. The plant has a roughing stand with an edger, and a finishing mill with seven four-high stands. All eight stands are equipped with Siemens double-motor drives.

The 16 synchronous drives, equipped with cycloconverters and Simadyn D controllers, will be fitted with new Sinamics control components. The existing power units of the converters will be retained, enabling the rolling mill drives to be modernized without having to replace the whole converters. Siemens will also be responsible for configuration, detail engineering, installation and commissioning.

Award of order was preceded by successful piloting of the modernization concept on one drive in the finishing mill in December 2010.

Further information about solutions for steel works, rolling mills and processing lines is available at http://www.siemens.com/metals

A photo supplements this press release. Please see: http://www.industry.siemens.com/data/presse/pics/IIS201107203.jpg

(Siemens main drives on the hot strip mill of voestalpine Stahl Gmbh in Linz, Austria)

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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