Synopsis:
SMS group has successfully commissioned a state-of-the-art hot strip mill at Jindal Steel Odisha Ltd in India. The new mill, designed for an annual capacity of five million tons, features cutting-edge rolling technologies that enable the efficient and sustainable production of thin-gauge hot strips. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, SMS completed the project in record time.
Article:
In a remarkable feat of engineering and project management, SMS group has successfully put into operation a new high-capacity hot strip mill (HSM) at Jindal Steel Odisha Ltd. (JSOL) in India. The commissioning of the mill marks a significant milestone for both companies, as it not only expands JSOL's production capabilities but also showcases SMS's expertise in delivering advanced rolling technologies.
The new HSM, located in JSOL's Angul works in the Indian state of Odisha, is the first of its kind at this location. It is designed to produce an impressive five million tons of hot strip annually, with a wide range of steel grades, including high-strength low-alloy (HSLA), pipe grades, and silicon steels. The mill is capable of processing slabs up to 12 meters in length, with thicknesses ranging from 180 to 260 millimeters and widths from 800 to 1,680 millimeters.
One of the standout features of the new HSM is its ability to produce thin-gauge hot strips reliably and efficiently. This is achieved through the implementation of various innovative rolling technologies, such as SMS's newly developed transfer bar cooling system, which optimizes temperature regulation in the roughing mill, leading to improved product homogeneity.
The mill also incorporates SMS's latest generation of heat preservation hoods, known as HIBOX®. These advanced hoods simplify inspection and maintenance while increasing the service life of the elements by a factor of four compared to conventional preservation hoods. The HIBOX® system not only enhances the stability of the finishing train's rolling behavior but also enables JSOL to expand its product mix to include thinner final thicknesses and higher-strength steel grades. Additionally, the system offers significant savings in energy consumption, CO₂ footprint, and operating expenses.
Another key component of the HSM is the mandrel-less coilbox, situated between the second roughing stand and the finishing mill. This innovative technology equalizes the temperature over the transfer bar length by forming the transfer bar into coils, preventing the inner windings from cooling. The resulting improvement in transfer bar temperature allows for the expansion of the product range to thinner gauges.
The seven-stand finishing mill, equipped with hydraulic adjustment systems, hydraulic loopers, and the latest generation of CVC® plus (Continuously Variable Crown) combined work roll shifting and bending systems, ensures the production of high-quality products with a wide range of properties and dimensions. The X-Pact® Profile, Contour, and Flatness process model (PCFC®) calculates the optimal set points for the actuators of the CVC® plus and bending system, ensuring the stability of the rolling process and the highest product quality.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, SMS successfully completed the erection and commissioning of the HSM in record time, much to JSOL's satisfaction. This achievement is a testament to the strong and long-standing cooperation between the two companies, as SMS has previously supplied several metallurgical plants to the Indian steel producer.
Conclusion:
The successful commissioning of the high-capacity hot strip mill at Jindal Steel Odisha Ltd. by SMS group represents a significant advancement in the field of hot strip production. With its state-of-the-art technologies and impressive annual capacity of five million tons, the new mill sets a new standard for efficiency, sustainability, and product quality. The ability to produce thin-gauge hot strips reliably and efficiently opens up new opportunities for JSOL in the ever-evolving steel market. SMS's ability to deliver such a complex project in record time, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrates the company's unwavering commitment to its customers and its position as a leader in the metallurgical plant engineering industry. This milestone achievement not only strengthens the partnership between SMS and JSOL but also contributes to the growth and advancement of the Indian steel industry as a whole.
Source: STEELGURU
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