Hyundai Steel successfully commissions RH plant for the production of automotive grades

With the support of SMS Mevac, Hyundai Steel Co. (Hyundai), based in Seoul, South Korea, has successfully commissioned the quick-change RH plant (Ruhrstahl Heraeus process) added to its secondary metallurgy facilities in Dangjin. The first melt was treated on Monday, October 5, 2015, approximately one month ahead of schedule. Already at this point, both Hyundai Steel Co. and SMS are very satisfied with the performance of the RH plant and with the commitment of all parties involved in the project.

The quick-change RH plant had been designed for the treatment of ladles with a nominal heat weight of 155 tons and an average production capacity of 1.2 million tons per year. Technical features of the plant include a hydraulically actuated ladle lifting system, a burner lance and a vacuum alloying system for adding ferroalloys under vacuum. Already in the engineering phase, the capacity of the plant was increased to 175 tons.

A four-stage steam-ejector vacuum pump system of the latest state of the art generates the vacuum. The system has been fitted with advanced pressure control technology which ensures an optimized process.

The RH plant is part of the existing electric steel mill. The steel treated in the RH plant is continuously cast into blooms and processed into high-alloyed quality parts, primarily for use in the automotive industry.

The scope of supply comprised the basic engineering and parts of the detail engineering, the delivery of key components such as the burner lance, the hydraulic system, etc. (the existing steam-ejector vacuum pump system was successfully modified) and supervision of installation and commissioning.

The snorkel of the RH vessel is being lifted out of the first melt treated

Based on SMS group information