ENGINEERINGNET.EU -- The project is part of Aperam's modernization plans to reduce costs and improve profitability.
A total of seven stands are to be modernized at the finishing mill. Siemens will supply the motors, converters and transformers for this and will handle installation supervision, commissioning and training.
All seven stands of the finishing mill in Châtelet will be equipped with identical compact twelve-megawatt machines which will be used for the first time.
Adapting the existing structural environment presents an exceptional challenge, especially with regard to the existing different motor foundations.
The modernization project will be carried out jointly by the Siemens Competence Center for electrical and automation engineering in the steel industry in Erlangen, Germany, and by Siemens Belgium.
Aperam has six production sites in Europe and Brazil with an annual capacity of 2.5 million tons of flat stainless steel products for a wide range of applications.
Its main European stainless steel plants are located in Châtelet and Genk, Belgium, and Gueugnon and Isbergues, France.
The drives will be modernized in seven stages during scheduled annual maintenance stoppages, completion is expected by the end of 2019. The first conversion work is planned for mid-2013.
BACKGROUND
Aperam is a global player in stainless, electrical and specialty steel, with operations in more than 30 countries. The business is organized in three divisions: Stainless & Electrical Steel, Services & Solutions and Alloys & Specialties. Aperam has 2.5 million tonnes of flat stainless steel capacity in Brazil and Europe and is a leader in high value added niches - alloys and specialties. Aperam has about 10,500 employees.
