ArcelorMittal Chooses Primetals for Comprehensive Hot-Strip Mill Automation Overhaul
ArcelorMittal, the world’s leading steel producer, has entered into a significant partnership with Primetals Technologies to modernize the automation systems of its hot-strip mill at the Sestao plant in Spain. This upgrade aims to improve yield, product quality, and mill efficiency, which are critical in the steelmaking process.
The project, which is part of ArcelorMittal’s ongoing efforts to enhance its operations, will focus on implementing Level 1 and Level 2 automation systems, alongside advanced drives, sensors, and new process technologies. These systems are expected to deliver notable improvements in both mill availability and production efficiency.
Key Aspects of the Automation Upgrade
1. Level 1 and Level 2 Automation Systems:
The core of the modernization involves the installation of Level 1 and Level 2 automation systems designed by Primetals Technologies. The Level 1 system will ensure optimized control of the production process, leading to more accurate operations. This system will minimize downtime and improve overall mill availability, which is crucial for maintaining continuous and efficient production cycles.
The Level 2 system, which will be powered by advanced mathematical models in thermodynamics and other scientific disciplines, will refine the coiling temperatures of the steel being produced. This system calculates temperatures in real-time throughout the finishing mill and cooling section, ensuring that the coiling process results in a more uniform microstructure and ultimately, a higher-quality product.
2. Improved Yield and Process Optimization:
The modernization will reduce downtime and production disruptions, making the process smoother and more efficient. The process optimization system enables real-time calculations and adjustments that optimize the overall yield. This means that ArcelorMittal will be able to produce more steel with fewer resources and less energy consumption, which contributes to both cost savings and sustainability.
3. Advanced Sensors and Auxiliary Drives:
As part of the automation upgrade, Primetals Technologies will also supply critical auxiliary drives and sensors to monitor and control various operational aspects of the mill. The sensors will be crucial for monitoring temperature and quality throughout the production process, ensuring that the finished product meets the highest industry standards.
4. Contour and Flatness Optimizer:
The Contour and Flatness Optimizer is another key feature in this upgrade. This system is designed to handle contour and flatness calculations and to control the shape of the steel sheets as they are processed. Steel products that are flat and have the correct contour are essential for industries like automotive manufacturing, where product consistency and precision are critical.
Enhancing Product Quality and Efficiency
One of the major benefits of this automation upgrade is the improvement in product quality. The integration of AI-backed machine learning algorithms and optimization methods will enhance the precision of the coiling temperature control. This, in turn, leads to an improved microstructure of the steel and better overall product performance.
The implementation of these advanced automation systems will not only result in improved yield but will also contribute to more efficient operations at the Sestao plant, setting a new standard for steel production within ArcelorMittal’s global operations.
Supporting the Shift to Sustainable Steel Production
ArcelorMittal is also focusing on increasing production for its XCarb® initiative, which represents the company’s commitment to producing recycled and renewably produced steel. As demand for low-carbon steel continues to grow, the Sestao plant will play a crucial role in increasing production to 800,000 metric tons in 2025.
The plant is working on securing long-term agreements for decarbonized steel with customers, furthering ArcelorMittal’s goal of becoming a leader in green steelmaking. The automation upgrade is an essential part of this transition, as it will allow the company to produce high-quality steel more efficiently while reducing its environmental impact.
Recent Success and Future Plans
This agreement follows a similar upgrade that Primetals Technologies successfully implemented at ArcelorMittal’s hot-strip mill in Eisenhüttenstadt, Germany, which similarly boosted yield and efficiency. Building on that success, this new project in Sestao will enhance ArcelorMittal’s overall manufacturing capabilities and its ability to meet growing demand for advanced steel products.
As the steel industry continues to evolve towards sustainability, ArcelorMittal and Primetals Technologies are taking a significant step forward in ensuring the company remains at the forefront of steelmaking innovation.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
• Automation Upgrade: ArcelorMittal has partnered with Primetals Technologies to implement Level 1 and Level 2 automation systems at its Sestao hot-strip mill, improving yield, product quality, and efficiency.
• Optimized Yield: New automation systems will reduce downtime, improve mill availability, and increase overall yield by minimizing production disruptions.
• Coiling Temperature and Product Quality: The advanced Level 2 system uses mathematical models and AI-backed optimization to improve coiling temperatures, resulting in a refined microstructure and better product quality.
• Contour and Flatness Optimizer: The Contour and Flatness Optimizer will enhance the shape and flatness of steel products, ensuring high precision and consistency for industries such as automotive manufacturing.
• Green Steel Focus: The Sestao plant will increase production to 800,000 metric tons in 2025 to meet growing demand for XCarb® recycled and renewably produced steel, as part of ArcelorMittal's efforts towards decarbonized steel production.
• Advanced Technology Implementation: The integration of sensors, auxiliary drives, and process optimization systems will ensure maximum efficiency and precision in steel production.
