Metinvest continues modernization of the Ilyich Iron and Steel Works

In the sheet-rolling shop "1700" (LPC "1700") Ilyich Metinvest Group, Metinvest Group continues to modernize its broadband mill as part of a large investment project for the reconstruction of capacities. The final batch of the main mechanical equipment weighing more than 900 tons arrived at the enterprise. The total investment of Metinvest Group in the project is USD 85 million.

The equipment supplied includes an intermediate rewinding device, roller tables, hydraulic breakers, stand frames, main motors and gearboxes. Oversized spare parts will be set into working position using special powerful hydraulic cylinders. About 45 days are planned for the installation of the reversing stand, intermediate rewinding device and modernization of the finishing group. Then the commissioning and hot tests of the new equipment are coming.

During the reconstruction process, five stands of the mill will be dismantled. They will be replaced by one more powerful - reversible. The new stand will be equipped with an automated rolling process control system to obtain high-quality rolled stock for the finishing group of stands. In addition, an intermediate rewinding device and new high pressure water descaling (about 200 atmospheres) will be installed.

The main task of the intermediate rewinding device is to ensure the possibility of rolling heavy coils. When coiling and unwinding a strip on this equipment, the temperature is equalized along the entire length of the strip, and the temperature wedge disappears. As a result, uniform reduction is achieved in the finishing group of stands, the accuracy of rolling the strip in the longitudinal and transverse directions is increased, and the stability of mechanical properties and microstructure along its entire length is ensured.

As a reminder, the first stage of reconstruction of the rolling mill “1700” was completed in 2018 and included the commissioning of heating furnace No. 1 and the installation of a heavy-duty pneumatic coiler. Thanks to this, the metallurgical plant was able to produce hot-rolled coils weighing up to 16.5 tons, hot-rolled pickled coils without a welded seam weighing up to 15 tons, as well as cold-rolled coils without a welded seam weighing 14-14.5 tons.

“The new equipment will expand the mill's production capabilities and increase the mass of finished products up to 30 tons. We will be able to meet the most stringent customer requirements for surface quality, strip geometry, improve the quality of our own cold-rolled coils and expand the range. Rollers of Rolling Center 1700 will have the technical ability to roll slabs with a thickness of 250 mm in a specific size range, which are already being produced by our new high-tech continuous casting machine No. 4. This project is important for the further long-term development of the enterprise.