Salzgitter Flachstahl is modernizing the Continuous Casting Line No. 1

The improvements are aimed at safeguarding quality standards and increasing the flexibility of production

After 36 years in service, the time has come: Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH is set to comprehensively modernize its no. 1 continuous casting line (SGA 1). The order has now been placed with the SMS Group.
 “In the course of this long period of operation, we have frequently refurbished SGA 1 and kept it up to date,” explained Continuous Casting and Finishing Lines manager Dr. Peter Müller. “Now the time has come to completely modernize or replace individual parts of the installation.”

The object of this extensive mechanical and electrical overhaul is primarily to safeguard quality standards and increase operational flexibility and reliability. “As a result, the no. 1 continuous casting line will play an even greater role in the production of grades of steel with the highest surface quality standards along with so-called index grades,”
said Dr. Müller, commenting on the investment objective which aligns with Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH’s strategy of focusing on premium segments.
The modernization is also of importance for sister company Ilsenburger Grobblech, for whom a proportion of the slabs are destined. Post modernization, slabs will be available in widths of 900 to 2,600 mm, which will benefit SZAG-internal hot and cold rolling customers as well as Ilsenburger Grobblech GmbH.

The modernization will take place during a scheduled shutdown in Q4 2020. “We are able to keep the shutdown so brief because some or the preparatory works will have been carried out in advance,” added Dr. Müller in praise of inter-company and inter-departmental cooperation: “Joint preparations undertaken together with the contractor, our project management at the steelworks and experts in Purchasing, Occupational Health and Safety and Technical Services has so far worked very well. Our many years of cooperation are paying off.”

The most important improvements are:
The main focus is on extending the mold from 700 to 900 mm and adjusting widths within a casting range of 900 to 2,600 mm in order to achieve the following:

• a greater shell thickness on exit from the mold
• more time for rectifying adhesions
• greater security against breakouts
• the facility to cast index grades (C steels)
• an improvement in product quality, especially for grades susceptible to cracking
• an increase in utilization flexibility

Renewal of the oscillator has become necessary simply because after 36 years in operation, the unit has reached end of its technical service life. Thanks to its very high accuracy in terms of control and dimensional stability, the new hydraulically powered oscillation system is suitable for the production of grades that are at risk of cracking.