Danieli Completes Lusosider Pickling Line Upgrade: A Step Forward in Steel Processing Excellence
On March 3, 2025, Danieli, a leading technology supplier for the global steel industry, announced the successful completion of an important upgrade to the pickling line No.2 at Lusosider Aços Planos, a Portuguese subsidiary of CSN (Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional). This critical enhancement, located in Aldeia de Paio Pires, Portugal, has marked a significant step in the modernization of the steel processing capabilities of Lusosider.
Lusosider, known for its production of hot-rolled flat steel products, has been a key player in the steel sector, particularly in serving markets in Europe and Africa. The recent upgrade to its pickling line aims to improve the quality, efficiency, and versatility of the company's production processes, contributing to its long-term operational goals. The focus of the upgrade was on enhancing the entry section of the pickling line, which is critical for the smooth operation and subsequent treatments of steel coils.
The Project: Tailor-Made Mandrel for Enhanced Performance
The project involved the replacement of the existing mandrel, which plays a crucial role in the coil processing stage of the pickling line. Danieli’s custom-designed mandrel was created to address the specific needs of Lusosider’s production process, ensuring that the equipment would perform optimally under a range of conditions.
According to Danieli, the new mandrel was designed to include several advanced features, such as an external bearing to limit the deflection of the mandrel when coils are loaded onto the line. This bearing system is crucial for ensuring that the mandrel operates smoothly under strip tension, which is particularly important during the pickling process. The integration of the new mandrel into the existing system was successfully carried out during the commissioning phase, ensuring a seamless transition and minimal downtime at the plant.
Key Features of the Upgraded Pickling Line Equipment
The key innovation in the upgrade lies in the mandrel itself, which is now equipped with:
• Main gears and bearings designed for greater durability and operational efficiency.
• Three additional sets of adapters, allowing the mandrel to handle a broader range of coil diameters.
• Wide expansion range capability, accommodating coil diameters from 570 mm to 660 mm, providing greater flexibility in processing different types of steel coils.
These enhancements allow Lusosider to better manage coil handling, improving the overall precision and quality of the pickling process, which is essential for preparing steel for further manufacturing processes such as coating, rolling, and forming.
Results of the Commissioning Tests: Seamless Integration
The testing phase of the project, conducted during the commissioning of the new mandrel, demonstrated that the upgraded system performed as expected. The precise integration of the new equipment with the existing pickling line allowed for a smooth transition, ensuring that the upgraded mandrel operated efficiently under coil loading and strip tension. The results showed that the new mandrel exhibited robust behavior, handling the demands of the pickling line with increased efficiency and reliability.
This successful commissioning is a significant achievement for both Danieli and Lusosider, marking a milestone in the company’s continued efforts to enhance its steel processing capabilities.
Implications for Lusosider’s Operations and the Steel Industry
The upgrade of Lusosider’s pickling line is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to technological advancement and quality improvement. By incorporating the latest steel processing technology, Lusosider is positioning itself to meet the growing demand for high-quality steel products, which is critical in industries such as automotive, construction, and appliances.
Furthermore, the upgrade provides Lusosider with enhanced production flexibility, allowing it to handle a wider range of steel coils. This is an important advantage as it enables the company to better serve its customer base, responding to market needs for various coil specifications.
For the broader steel industry, the upgrade at Lusosider is indicative of the ongoing trend of modernization and technological improvement in steel processing plants. By embracing cutting-edge technology, steelmakers worldwide are improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing product quality, helping them remain competitive in the ever-evolving global steel market.
Key Takeaways:
• Danieli successfully upgraded Lusosider Aços Planos’ pickling line No.2, replacing the existing mandrel with a tailor-made, custom-designed equipment.
• The upgrade improves coil handling, providing greater flexibility with the mandrel’s ability to process coils from 570 mm to 660 mm in diameter.
• The new mandrel features external bearings, which help minimize deflection under coil loading and strip tension, enhancing the overall stability and efficiency of the pickling process.
• Testing during commissioning showed that the upgraded system was seamlessly integrated into the existing pickling line, demonstrating precise operation and robust behavior.
• Lusosider’s investment in modernizing steel processing technology will improve the quality and efficiency of its products, positioning the company to meet the growing demand for high-quality steel in various industries.
• The successful upgrade is part of a broader trend in the steel industry towards adopting more advanced, energy-efficient technologies to remain competitive in the global market.
