After successful modernisation of the AOD converter at Valbruna, Primetals received the final acceptance. The modernisation included the trunnion ring and tilting drive with shrink fit connection as well as the installation of a level 2 system.

In March 2020, Primetals Technologies has received the final acceptance certificates (FAC) from Acciaierie Valbruna for the mechanical and electrical revamping of the AOD converter at its production facility in Bolzano, Italy. One of the main reasons for the revamping was the modernisation of the converter trunnion ring and tilting drive including a new shrink fit connection.

Further on a new process optimisation system (level 2) was installed, and the process control system (level 1) as completion of replacement of mechanical and electrical parts for the trunnion ring and tilting drive. The level 2 system was adjusted and aligned to Valbruna’s production requirements via remote connection by the experts of Primetals Technologies from their offices in Austria. Additionally, the whole existing level-1-system was aligned and updated in cooperation with Valbruna. The revamping has improved the process stability, the production flexibility, and reduced the maintenance efforts for the AOD converter.

New process optimisation and updated process control system

The new level-2-system allows interfacing and integration of the AOD refinement process with the steel plant upstream (arc furnace) and downstream LF as well as continuous casting activities, where another level 2 system of Primetals Technologies is installed. The system also makes it possible to archive, search and elaborate all process data as well as the availability of the necessary reporting according to Valbruna's needs.

In the late summer of 2019, Primetals Technologies completed the mechanical and electrical modernisation of AOD. Upon completion of the installation of the new systems, during normal operation, it was necessary to make further changes to the existing level-1-system to allow correct interface with the new process optimisation system (level 2) in order to control and optimise the converter as desired.

This work was done in close cooperation of the local task force of Valbruna and Primetals Technologies´ experts from Italy and Austria. The final adjustment and optimisation of the level-2-system according to Valbruna’s requirements was done collaboratively via remote connection to metallurgist and automation experts in Austria. 

In March, Valbruna issued the final acceptance certificates (FAC) for the mechanical and electrical revamping of the AOD converter. The modernisation reduced the maintenance efforts for the converter.

Source:Heat Processing  www.heat-processing.com