SMS Demag AG, Germany, has successfully completed its modernization of the twin-strand compact strip production (CSP^®) facility at Baotou Iron & Steel Group, P.R. China.

Modernization of the facility, originally started up in 2001, comprised lengthening the strand guide system by a fourth segment and conversion of the oscillator drive from electromechanical to hydraulic. SMS Demag supplied the complete engineering, the hydraulic cylinder for the oscillator, hydraulic control system and the bending unit. The scope of supply also included adaptation of the automation system and provision of the corresponding Technological Control Systems (TCS).

Using liquid core reduction (LCR^®), Baotou casts thin 55- and 70-mm thick slabs with widths between 980 and 1,560 mm. After this modernization, the twin-strand CSP caster, originally designed to produce two million tonnes per year, will achieve an annual production of 2.8 million tonnes.

The first strand was back in operation nine days after the revamping. Ten ladles were cast without problems. Re-commissioning of the second strand took place directly the next day.

SMS Demag AG forms part of the Metallurgical Plant and Rolling Mill Technology Business Area of the SMS group. SMS GmbH is the holding for a group of companies internationally active in plant construction and mechanical engineering relating to the processing of steel, non-ferrous metals and plastics. The group is divided into the Business Areas of Metallurgical Plant and Rolling Mill Technology, Tube, Long Product and Forging Technology and Plastics Technology. In the year 2004 some 9,500 employees worldwide generated a turnover of about EUR 2.20 billion.