March 14, 2007 — Beta Steel recently processed the first coil through its revamped hot strip mill. Production re-started ten days after Danieli’s completion of construction activities, and the line has now entered its performance test period.

Several steel grades and strip gauges have been tested so far, with test results in conformance to the project targets of widening the product mix up to API X70 grades, while achieving increased productivity and an improved final quality.

To improve product quality and enable the production of a wider range of grades, Danieli installed a fully automated, short-cycle discharging machine that diminishes temperature losses and avoids scratches to slab surfaces. Descaler boxes were installed at the furnace exit, on board the rougher, and at finishing mill entry.

Danieli also installed water-wall strip laminar cooling to provide excellent strip cooling and to control with the sophisticated cooling patterns required by the API grades.

To support Beta Steel’s increased productivity goals, Danieli installed an automatic roll-change system on Beta Steel’s 5-stand finishing mill; a runout table with hydraulic side guide at downcoiler-area entry side; and a downcoiler capable of handling 30-ton coils in automatic mode. Previously, mill operations were limited by the downcoiler 18-ton maximum handling capacity.

Danieli also supplied a crop shear capable of cutting transfer bar head and tail for the whole range of steel grades up to API X70, at strip speeds of up to two meters/second in fully automated sequence.

The revamp was completed with the installation of new horizontal-axes coil handling equipment including coil inspection, strapping, weighing and marking facilities. The new coil handling equipment eliminates coil tilting and minimizes edge damage, and facilitates the final processing of coils before shipping.

Danieli Automation supplied electricals, Level 1 and Level 2 automation, and process control systems.

Beta Steel’s strategic goals to increase mill productivity, widen the product mix, and improve product quality have all been achieved as a result of the upgrade. Danieli says the project’s success is a result of the close cooperation between Beta Steel and the Danieli site team, as well as the reliability of Danieli Wean United HSM equipment.