Jindal United Steel Collaborates with Primetals for Hot-Strip Mill Modernization to Enhance Productivity and Quality
Jindal United Steel Limited, a part of Jindal Stainless, has signed a significant contract with Primetals Technologies for a comprehensive modernization of its hot-strip mill at the Jajpur facility in Odisha, India. The upgrade, set to be completed by December 2026, is designed to enhance the mill's production capacity and product quality, with a focus on improving both plate and coil manufacturing.
The Jajpur facility, which produces a range of products including hot-rolled and cold-rolled stainless steel, has been operational for several years and is a key part of JUSL’s industrial infrastructure. With the steel market continuously evolving and becoming more competitive, this upgrade aims to increase efficiency and meet the growing demand for high-quality steel products in industries such as automotive, nuclear energy, and pipelines.
Scope of the Modernization Project
The hot-strip mill upgrade is extensive and will focus on several key aspects of the production process:
• Coil Box Installation: A new coil box will be added to handle the increasing range of steel grades and product specifications, aligning with market demands. This system will ensure smoother processing and better handling of materials.
• Heavy Plate Shear & Hydraulic Pump Station: A new heavy plate shear will be installed along with a hydraulic pump station to enhance the mill's capacity to process heavy plates. This addition will cut down on the time required for cutting, significantly improving overall efficiency.
• Cooling Bed Expansion: The cooling beds are a critical component of the steel production process, affecting both the cooling speed and the overall quality of the product. The upgrade will involve the modernization of cooling bed No. 1, along with the addition of a second cooling bed (cooling bed No. 2), to accommodate increased productivity.
• Work Roll Cooling System Upgrade: To improve the quality of finished products, the work roll cooling system will be upgraded across all seven finishing mill stands. This system is vital for ensuring uniform cooling, which directly impacts the surface quality of the rolled material.
• Automation Enhancements: The upgrade will include the installation of a Level 1 automation system as well as Level 2 adaptations to manage the additional systems. Advanced measurement equipment and a human-machine interface (HMI) will also be incorporated, enhancing control over the entire process, from heavy plate handling to cooling.
Quote: "The modernization of our hot-strip mill is a crucial step in ensuring we meet future market demands while maintaining the highest standards of quality and efficiency," said a JUSL representative.
Enhancing Plate Production Capacity
The heavy plate shear is a particularly important addition, designed to reduce cutting times and increase overall throughput. By installing the new shear and cooling bed, JUSL expects to significantly reduce bottlenecks that can occur during plate production. This will enable the mill to handle larger volumes of steel, which is crucial as demand for heavy plates and coils grows in industries like construction and automotive manufacturing.
Additionally, the expansion of the mill's plate production area will ensure that the facility can handle larger plate sizes and meet the increasing requirements of various industries.
Quote: "Our customers are demanding larger and more customized products, and this upgrade will allow us to meet those needs while maintaining our commitment to the highest standards of quality," said a JUSL project manager.
Optimizing Product Quality
The focus on quality optimization is central to this modernization. The work roll cooling system is a critical aspect of the process, as it directly impacts the quality of the steel surface. By improving the system's ability to maintain a consistent and uniform cooling process, JUSL aims to enhance the surface quality of the rolled material, making it more suitable for high-precision applications, particularly in industries that require excellent surface finish and durability.
The upgraded cooling system will not only improve the material quality but also help optimize energy consumption, as it will maintain existing cooling water consumption levels while improving the distribution of cooling.
Technological Advancements in Automation
A key part of the project is the installation of advanced automation systems, which will improve both production efficiency and process control. The Level 1 automation system will be enhanced by Level 2 adaptations, allowing for greater precision in monitoring and controlling the production process. The human-machine interface (HMI) will provide operators with a more intuitive interface for managing heavy plate handling, cooling, and other critical aspects of the mill operation.
The new advanced measurement equipment will also support precise quality control, ensuring that all products meet the exacting standards required for industries such as aerospace and nuclear energy, where material integrity is critical.
Quote: "By integrating cutting-edge automation and measurement technologies, we will have real-time control over the entire process, ensuring product quality and operational efficiency," said a Primetals Technologies spokesperson.
JUSL’s Steel Production Capabilities
Jindal United Steel manufactures a variety of steel products, including both hot-rolled and cold-rolled stainless steel products. Their offerings range from austenitic, ferritic, to martensitic steel grades, which are used in high-demand industries like automotive manufacturing, pipelines, and nuclear energy production. The facility's current capabilities allow it to produce plates up to 1,650 millimeters in width and thicknesses ranging from 11 to 80 millimeters, while also producing strips up to 1,650 millimeters in width with thicknesses from 1.5 to 12.7 millimeters.
With this modernization, JUSL aims to improve its production flexibility and offer an even broader range of steel products to meet evolving market demands.
Key Takeaways:
• Comprehensive Upgrade: Jindal United Steel Limited has awarded Primetals Technologies a contract for a hot-strip mill modernization at its Jajpur facility in Odisha, India.
• Key Improvements: The upgrade includes the installation of a new coil box, cooling beds, heavy plate shear, work roll cooling system, and advanced automation systems.
• Production Capacity: The modernization aims to increase plate production capacity and eliminate production bottlenecks, enhancing output and efficiency.
• Enhanced Product Quality: Focus on upgrading the cooling system and work roll cooling to improve surface quality of the rolled materials.
• Automation and Control: Installation of advanced automation systems and measurement equipment to ensure precise process control and better product quality.
• Completion Timeline: The project is expected to be completed by December 2026.
• JUSL’s Market Reach: JUSL manufactures a wide range of stainless steel products for industries like automotive, pipelines, and nuclear energy. The mill produces plates and strips of various sizes, providing flexibility in meeting market demands.
