Siemens Modernizes Automation in AHMSA Hot Rolling Mill
11/12/2009 - Altos Hornos de Mexico has awarded Siemens a contract to modernize its existing basic and process automation systems in its Monclova Hot Strip Mill. Siemens will supply and install automation technology based on the Siroll HM platform.
Altos Hornos de Mexico, S.A.B. de C.V. (AHMSA) has awarded Siemens a contract to modernize its existing basic and process automation systems in its Monclova Hot Strip Mill. Siemens will supply and install automation technology based on the Siroll HM platform, specifically designed for hot rolling mills.
The scope of supply includes the digital front end for the roughing mill drive, the complete basic and process automation, as well as the process models and technological controllers for the entire hot rolling mill. A new Mill Stand F1 allows provisions for the production of new and stronger steel grades, according to Siemens, along with better load distribution for the entire finishing train of the steel mill.
The total value of the order is USD 21 million. The project is due to be completed in the summer of 2011.
Work will be done in stages to minimize downtimes and avoid initial loss of quality after the changeover, beginning with the replacement work for the downcoiler automation, which is scheduled for the spring of 2010. Replacement of the roughing and finishing mill automation system is also to begin in the spring of 2010.
Initially, parallel wiring of field signals will be implemented during scheduled maintenance shutdowns, after which the new automation system will be connected to monitor the mill functions ahead of the complete changeover to the new equipment.
Altos Hornos de Mexico, S.A.B. de C.V. is the largest integrated steel plant in Mexico. Its corporate offices are located in Monclova, Coahuila, in the Mexican state of Coahuila. The plant operates at an annual production rate of 3 million tonnes of liquid steel, and has a workforce of 19,000 people, including its subsidiary companies. It produces flat steel products including hot and cold rolled coil, wide plate, tinplate, and tin-free steel, as well as non-flat steel products such as heavy shapes and light shapes.
The Siemens Industry Sector, Erlangen, Germany, is a leading international supplier of production, transportation, building and lighting technologies. The sector comprises six divisions: Building Technologies, Drive Technologies, Industry Automation, Industry Solutions, Mobility, and Osram. With around 222,000 employees worldwide, Siemens Industry posted in fiscal year 2008 a profit of EUR 3.86 billion with revenues totaling EUR 38 billion.
With the business activities of Siemens VAI Metals Technologies (Linz, Austria), Siemens Water Technologies (Warrendale, Pa.), and Industrial Technologies (Erlangen, Germany), the Siemens Industry Solutions Division (Erlangen, Germany) is one of the world's leading solution and service providers for industrial and infrastructure facilities. Using its own products, systems, and process technologies, Industry Solutions develops and builds plants for end customers, commissions them, and provides support during their entire life cycle. With around 31,000 employees worldwide, Siemens Industry Solutions achieved an order intake of EUR 8.415 billon in fiscal year 2008.
