SMS Siemag AG, Electrical and Automation Systems, (Hilchenbach, Germany):

Ehlert D., Executive Vice President
Mehlich F., General Manager Sales

E-mail (common): automation@sms-siemag.com

The growing demand for high-quality shipbuilding plates prompted Dongkuk Steel Mill in Pohang, South Korea, to look for possibilities for boosting production and improving quality. The customized modernization concept developed by SMS Siemag comprised the mechanical, electrical and automation systems of the rolling mill. In addition to CVC plus equipment for profi le and fl atness control, the fi nishing stand of Dongkuk Steel’s two-stand rolling mill was equipped with a more powerful hydraulic roll-gap adjusting system, and the entire rolling line received a new automation system. Thanks to the installation of CVC plus, it was moreover possible for Dongkuk Steel to reduce the minimum plate thickness to 5 mm. As a result of the modernization, the objectives of Dongkuk Steel Mill regarding higher production and better quality have been fully satisfi ed. Apart from a number of new plants, the changeover to CVC plus represented the fi rst revamp worldwide of an existing plate millstand. In respect of ope rational reliability, the greatest challenge was the integration of the new Level 1 automation and the supplementing of the Level 2 system. By means of this revamp, Dongkuk has been able to strengthen its outstanding position as regards the economical production of heavy plate while maintaining the highest level of quality. Further potential for improvement lies in the reinforcement of the mill-stand drive for the roughing stand. Dongkuk’s heavy-plate automation was tested in the SMS Siemag test field using the Plug and Work concept. It has now been proven also for modernization projects that Plug and Work and shadow mode operation help enormously in shortening commissioning time and in ramping up the plant quickly with high-quality products.