Siemens VAI Metals Technologies GmbH, Linz, has received an order from voestalpine Stahl GmbH, Austria, to equip its hot wide strip mill in Linz with new automation equipment. The automation systems are to be installed at the same time as the roll stands are replaced.

The project will be conducted in four stages, with 2010 as the completion date. The aim of the conversion project is to increase the annual production and add steel grades of a higher quality to the range of products the company offers

voestalpine Stahl‘s hot strip mill—the heart of the Linz flat steel production facility—has been undergoing a continuous process of modernization in which Siemens VAI has played a major role. As part of its "Linz2010" expansion program, voestalpine is renewing the mill’s rolling stands and updating the automation systems with a standardized and expandable solution based on the latest technological advances. Once the modifications are complete, the hot wide strip mill will have an annual capacity of 4.9 million tonnes of high-quality steel strip with thicknesses between 1.4 and 20 mm.

Siemens VAI will replace the entire basic automation for all seven finishing stands, including the higher-level functions of the instrumentation and control system. The automation system will employ the "Siroll HM" technology, which was specially developed for hot strip mills, and Simatic PCS7 will serve as the system basis. Siemens will also supply the cylinders for the roll stands’ hydraulic adjusting equipment.

The new components and systems will replace diverse older installations. As the work is scheduled to be carried out in stages, interim phases will be used to temporarily integrate parts of the old systems in the new automation setup. The uniform, universal automation system for voestalpine is characterized by a high degree of standardization, and open communication protocols will ensure that future expansion will not present any problems. The diagnostic functions integrated in the system will ensure a high level of transparency, uncomplicated operator control and fast reactions of the operating personnel to any problems that may occur.

Siemens VAI is also responsible for project management, engineering and the supply of all components and systems. Installation and commissioning will be carried out in conjunction with Siemens AG Austria.

Siemens VAI had previously modernized the roughing mill and the finishing train's drive systems at voestalpine’s Linz facility.

Voestalpine Stahl GmbH belongs to the Steel Division of voestalpine AG. At its Linz location, the company operates a fully integrated steelworks with a current annual hot strip production of 4.2 million metric tons. The main customers are the automotive industry and its suppliers as well as household appliance manufacturers and the construction supply industry.