SMS Siemag successfully commissions continuous slab caster at Puyang Steel

SMS Siemag Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd, China, has successfully put a continuous caster for medium-sized slabs into operation at the Wuan City works of Hebei Puyang Iron and Steel Co., Ltd. (Puyang Steel), China.

Puyang Steel is extending its slab production to include above all high grades, such as peritectic, microalloyed and high-strength steels, high-carbon and boron-alloyed steels, high-quality steels and pipeline grades.

The single-strand continuous slab caster is designed for a yearly production of 1.2 million tons of slabs with thicknesses between 150 and 180 millimeters and widths between 1,000 and 2,300 millimeters. The caster has been prepared for a future retrofit to twin-strand casting (two narrow slabs simultaneously in one strand).

The supply of the continuous casting plant included the complete plant and process technology, as well as X-Pact^® electrical and automation systems complete with the technological process models (level 2). The caster is equipped with the technological process models Mold Monitoring System (MMS), Hydraulic Mold Oscillator (HMO), Remote Adjustable Mold (RAM) and dynamic soft reduction. The technology packages make it possible to cast the large variety of steel grades and ensure the manufacture of slabs with high surface and internal quality.

The continuous slab caster was installed in an existing building (brown field). The existing crane systems were retained. Due to the building situation, SMS did not plan a ladle turret, but instead developed a tailor-made ladle car concept. The containment zone has a very small main radius of only 6.5 meters.

The good cooperation with the customer was characterized by straightforwardness, few interfaces and efficient communication.

All this resulted in a steep start-up curve. Already on the fifth production day, 50 heats were cast in one sequence.

“The cooperation with SMS was very positive. The technical know-how impressed us. This was a very good basis for implementing our wishes and demands. This was done in a highly flexible and above all economical way,” says Dr. Cao Liguo, Vice President of Puyang Steel.

Puyang Steel is one of China’s leading private steel makers.

The new continuous slab caster at Puyang Steel, China, produces high-grade steels

Based on SMS Group information