The aim of the revamp of the 120-ton AOD converter no. 2 was to minimize the destructive forces on the gear unit, bearings, and foundation when operating the AOD converter. In addition, the use of the new electrohydraulic torque retainer has reduced uncontrolled vibrations in the gear unit and the converter vessel. The target values in terms of reducing torque were achieved under production conditions shortly after commissioning.
SMS group supplied the torque retainer as a compact electrohydraulic unit. The engineering, installation, supervision of the installation as well as the technical assistance during commissioning were also included in the scope of delivery of SMS group. Both the cold and hot commissioning were completed jointly with the customer, and the latter was performed while production was underway. The final assembly was also carried out during a planned plant shutdown and took just one extra day, instead of the usual five days.
_{(source: SMS group)}