Danieli Wean United is conducting a complete revamp of Alphasteel's HSM located in Newport, South Wales. The three main goals of the revamp include increased annual mill productivity; ability to roll high quality light gauges; and production of API grade for pipe application.

A new slab discharging machine will be installed at the exit side of the existing reheat furnace, while the descaling system will be completely upgraded to assure a superior strip surface quality. New descaler boxes will be installed at the furnace exit, at the rougher and at finishing mill entry.

A new heat cover panel system will be installed on the roller table between roughing and finishing mill to help improve rolling conditions for light gauge production. A new automatic work roll change system will be added on the finishing mill to enable a significant increase in production operating time. The existing water wall strip cooling section will be replaced by a new system to facilitate the sophisticated cooling pattern required for API grades.

One of the two existing downcoilers will be revamped to increase its performance, while the second will be replaced by a new unit able to coil higher strength and thicker material with an increased coil weight. New coil handling, strapping, weighing and marking facilities will also be installed.

Danieli will supply new mechanical and hydraulic equipment as well as related electricals and the L1/L2 automation and process control system.

This order follows a caster upgrade project and will make Alphasteel a top-class producer of strip for pipe applications. The revamping is scheduled to be done during two mill shutdowns and will be completed in sixteen months.