Siemens modernizes automation of hot rolling mill at Handan

Chinese Handan Iron & Steel Group Co., Ltd. has placed an order with Siemens Metals Technologies to modernize the process automation system of the hot rolling mill at its Handan factory. The core items of the new process automation are a profile and flatness control system, which will ensure clearly improved product tolerances, as well as the Microstructure Target Cooling solution package.

This enables precise and reliable cooling of hot strip and thus production of modern materials such as multi-phase or special deep drawn steels. The new automation system will be set up in parallel with the existing one and can be commissioned by a simple changeover during operation. There is no need for additional plant downtime. Modernization is scheduled for completion at the start of 2016.

Handan Iron & Steel Group Co., Ltd. is part of Hebei Iron & Steel Group Co., Ltd. and, with a steel production of over 45 million metric tons (2013), is China's leading producer. The hot rolling mill, outfitted by Siemens with electrical and automation technology in 2000, produces hot strip with a width of up to 1,680 millimeters and produces 2.5 million metric tons every year, manufacturing high-grade steel for use in the automotive industry, shipbuilding and pipeline construction and also corrosion-resistant structural steels and deep drawn steels.

Siemens is modernizing the process automation system, supplying hardware and software and handling project planning, programming and commissioning. The new profile and flatness control will replace a third-party system. To avoid unnecessary plant downtimes and the resulting production shortfalls, the new hardware and software will be installed in parallel with existing systems, initially run in the so-called “shadow mode” and finally switched over to productive operation with the aid of a switch-over unit.

The Metals Technologies Business Unit is a world-leading lifecycle partner for the metallurgical industry. The Business Unit offers an extensive technology, modernization, product and service portfolio and integrated automation and environmental solutions throughout the lifecycles of plants.

Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a global technology powerhouse that has stood for engineering excellence, innovation, quality, reliability and internationality for more than 165 years. The company is active in more than 200 countries, focusing on the areas of electrification, automation and digitalization. One of the world's largest producers of energy-efficient, resource-saving technologies, Siemens is No. 1 in offshore wind turbine construction, a leading supplier of combined cycle turbines for power generation, a major provider of power transmission solutions and a pioneer in infrastructure solutions as well as automation, drive and software solutions for industry. The company is also a leading provider of medical imaging equipment – such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging systems – and a leader in laboratory diagnostics as well as clinical IT. In fiscal 2014, which ended on September 30, 2014, Siemens generated revenue from continuing operations of €71.9 billion and net income of €5.5 billion. At the end of September 2014, the company had around 357,000 employees worldwide. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com .

Reference Number: PR2014120072PDEN

Contact
Mr. Rainer Schulze
Process Industries and Drives Division
Siemens AG

Turmstr. 44

4031 Linz

Austria

Tel: +49 (9131) 7-44544

rainer.schulze​@siemens.com