Start-up of 5m plate mill: Siemens commission plate rolling mill at Xiangtan Iron & Steel

Siemens engineered and supplied all key process technology for the new Xiangtan Iron & Steel two stand plate mill. This included the mechanical equipment for the roughing mill stand and finishing stand with Smart Crown rolls, a Mulpic® intensive cooling section, hot and cold plate levelers, as well as one shear line with double side, slitting and dividing shears.

The scope of supply also included the instrumentation and automation technology, including all the process models, such as the microstructure monitor. The microstructure monitor originally developed by Siemens for strip rolling mills was used for the first time here in a plate rolling mill. The microstructure monitor enables the mechanical properties of the steel to be predicted in advance of final testing, even potentially avoiding the latter.

The complete solution for the entire rolling line was based on the integrated Siroll PM concept for plate rolling mills. The main drives on the finishing stand are equipped with three-phase synchronous motors, which are supplied with Sinamics SM150 DC link converters. There are also variable speed drives on the high-pressure pumps for the descaling sprays, which save energy and reduce water consumption. Siemens was also responsible for supervising the construction and commissioning, and providing the customer training.

Xiangtan Iron & Steel Co. is located in Xiangtan, in the Hunan Province, and is a subsidiary company of the Hunan Valin Iron & Steel Group. The group produces per annum some eleven million tons of crude steel and ten million tons of steel products, including tubes, bar and wire steels, and profiles. Hot-rolled sheet metal is another of its main products. The Xiangtan Plate Mill represents the 9th plate mill Siemens have started up in 5 years.

Mulpic® is exclusively licensed by CRM to Siemens VAI
SmartCrown is a registered trademark of Siemens VAI Metals Technologies GmbH.
The Siemens Industry Sector (Erlangen, Germany) is the worldwide leading supplier of environmentally friendly production, transportation, building and lighting technologies. With integrated automation technologies and comprehensive industry-specific solutions, Siemens increases the productivity, efficiency and flexibility of its customers in the fields of industry and infrastructure. The Sector consists of six divisions: Building Technologies, Drive Technologies, Industry Automation, Industry Solutions, Mobility and Osram. With around 204,000 employees worldwide (September 30), Siemens Industry achieved in fiscal year 2010 total sales of approximately €34.9 billion.

The Siemens Industry Solutions Division (Erlangen, Germany) is one of the world's leading solution and service providers for industrial and infrastructure facilities comprising the business activities of Siemens VAI Metals Technologies, Water Technologies and Industrial Technologies. Activities include engineering and installation, operation and service for the entire life cycle. A wide-ranging portfolio of environmental solutions helps industrial companies to use energy, water and equipment efficiently, reduce emissions and comply with environmental guidelines. With around 29,000 employees worldwide (September 30), Siemens Industry Solutions posted sales of €6.0 billion in fiscal year 2010.

Siemens AG
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Media Relations:
Dr. Rainer Schulze
Telephone: +49 9131 7-44544
E-Mail: rainer.schulze@siemens.com
Siemens AG
Industry Sector – Industry Solutions Division
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