Baosteel Zhanjiang Implements Digital Technology to Automate Hot Rolling Mill

At the end of March 2019, Baosteel Zhanjiang, a subsidiary of China's Baoshan Iron and Steel Co Ltd, contracted Primetals Technologies to supply digitizing packages, automation technology and electrical equipment for its new 1,780 mm wide hot rolling mill to be built in Zhanjiang. Guangdong province in southern China. The implementation of the extensive Industry 4.0 portfolio is an important step towards achieving the goal of creating the world's smartest and most modern hot strip mill. The project is expected to be completed at the end of 2022. In addition, a cooperation agreement was signed to jointly develop industry 4.0 leading hot rolling solutions.

Primetals Technologies Industry 4.0 solutions will enable the hot rolling mill to digitize and optimize production results. End-to-End Process Optimization (TPO), an integrated know-how solution, will improve efficiency, stability and product quality throughout the entire rolling process. Advanced Profile, Flatness and Contour Control (APX) ensures the highest product quality through a combination of comprehensive modeling and artificial intelligence, and optimized profile distribution. To ensure maximum availability and productivity, Primetals Technologies Strip Steering Expert /Wedge & Camber Control will be implemented using the latest vision-based measurement equipment and advanced control technology for automatic threading, rod control and unscrewing. The scope of delivery also includes the basic automation system (level 1), instrumentation, motors and drives. Level 2 will be supplied by Baosteel with APX supplied and deployed by Primetals Technologies as part of the digitization package.

The new hot strip plant is the second to be built at Baosteel Zhanjiang. It has a rated capacity of 4.5 million tonnes per year and will produce rolls ranging from 720 to 1780 mm wide and 1.2 to 12.7 mm thick.