X-Pact Centerline Control is an integrated process control feature that enables stable strip guiding through the finishing mill

Germany-based Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH, a manufacturer of steel products, has awarded SMS group a contract to supply a comprehensive technology package for its hot strip mill in Salzgitter. Following the systematic mechatronic modernisation of the hot strip mill in recent years, Salzgitter is now relying on ‘state of the art’ control systems and process models from the X-Pact product family.

Alongside a variety of new functions and a harmonised tool environment, operated on the most advanced automation platforms, the scope of supply also includes the X-Pact Integrated Temperature Model as a learning, self-optimising process control feature. This combines all process steps to form a superordinate temperature model and generates comprehensive recommendations for enhancing product quality and plant productivity.

Energy-consumption-oriented operating modes are included, as is the forward calculation of entire rolling schedules for manufacturing high-quality and temperature-sensitive steels with overall improved product character. At the same time, the X-Pact Plant Pacing system optimises through theput and productivity of the entire plant.

Salzgitter project manager Achim Pekrul said: “For Salzgitter, it was and continues to be vital to have a partner that not only has the technical expertise, but also offers us the prospect of advancing together in the future. As well as the right commercial framework conditions, we found this combination of technical excellence and shared growth prospects at SMS.”

In addition to the Level 2 automation, the integrated strip guiding control system, known as X-Pact Centerline Control, is their part of SMS’s scope of supply. This solution uses a camera system — the X-Pact Sense hotCAM — to detect deviations in the strip flow and calculates correction signals for each mill stand. As a result, manual interventions by the operating personnel to avoid unscheduled downtimes and malfunctions are significantly reduced. The technology package for Salzgitter Flachstahl is rounded off by the new X-Pact PEAK control concept, which helps to boost capacity and productivity levels in the rolling mill.

The hot strip mill is a core component of the production process at Salzgitter Flachstahl. As the perfect partner for integrated lifecycle services, SMS group is making a major contribution to the further development of the technology and process engineering towards more sustainable, more profitable and self-optimising plant plans operations.