The job consisted in replacing the complete control of the cooling bed area that was based on RELIANCE AUTOMAX plc with a brand new system based on AB CONTROLLOGIX platform installed in a state of art equipment, and to replace the existing AC and DC drives, going from the run in conveyor to the run out conveyor, including braking slide, moving rakes, transfer chains and transfer lift.

The supply included  seven new panels with installed AB PowerFlex 755 AC drives for the roller tables, four new panels with installed ABB DCS800 DC drives and a plc panel with installed an AB ControlLogix.

The preparation of the job, started months before the shutdown with the collaboration of GERDAU team, allowed a really fast and successfully commissioning of the new equipments, bringing back to production the plant according to the foreseen schedule in the minimum time available given by production requirements.

GERDAU Whitby is involving AIC in several other projects on its plants, AIC already has new orders for new Cold Shear drives, finishing area drives replacing and Stacker Magnets drives.
 

AIC is a global system integrator providing advanced and tailored automation solutions for the steel industry, with the aim to continuously improve both efficiency, competitiveness and safety of the production processes. With more than 800 applications worldwide and 40 years of history, AIC can boost an unique experience in both greenfield and revamping projects in long products rolling mills and continuous casting machines