SMS Group completes modernization of a plant at ArcelorMittal Asturias

SMS Group has successfully brought back into operation a 2-strand slab plant no. 2 at ArcelorMittal Asturias in Aviles, Spain, following the completion of a comprehensive refurbishment. Thanks to the update carried out by SMS group, the continuous caster can now produce slabs with a thickness of 235, 300 and 365 millimeters, 235 and 280 mm up to modification, and in widths from 800 to 2200 millimeters, up to 1600 millimeters. before modification. The caster is designed for an annual production of up to 2.9 million tonnes of steel slabs.

Just one month after a 14-week upgrade period, the continuous caster was expanded to a daily production of over 100,000 tonnes of steel slabs. From the curved shape down to the exit section, the continuous caster has been completely rebuilt. Its metallurgical length was increased from 33.2 to 36.7 meters. The upgraded caster is rated for a maximum casting speed of 1.6 meters per minute.

The mechanism is equipped with the X-Pact width control system. This allows you to adjust the width and automatically adjust the mold taper during production without reducing the casting speed. The system takes into account the casting of the steel grade and the current casting speed. The original mechanical generator has been replaced by a hydraulic oscillation system that allows the stroke length and frequency to be varied during the casting process.

Straightening and horizontal sections are equipped with an online gap control system with adjustable clamping cylinders.

The new No. 2 continuous slab unit works with various X-Pact Level 2 process models for improved quality control. X-Pact Tech Assist monitors the temperature distribution in the sheath. In this way, stickers can be detected and the risk of breakouts eliminated early in the process. In combination with the dynamic soft reduction process model, X-Pact® Gap Control allows the slab to be specifically compressed in the final solidification zone to improve the internal microstructure.

The mold cooling circuits, injection molding machines and spray cooling systems have been completely renewed; the hydraulic equipment has been adapted and expanded.