End-to-end automation and the use of LiquiRob robot systems will increase productivity and reliability, optimize workflows in the steel works, and reduce operating costs. At the same time, robot systems will make work safer. The ladle furnace and material handling system are scheduled to come into operation at the end of 2019, the modernized electric arc furnace in the middle of 2020.
Gerdau Special Steel North America is a leading manufacturer of special bars steels, which are mainly used in the automotive industry. The order awarded to Primetals is part of an investment package totaling around US-$ 80 million. Primetals will be responsible for the engineering and supplying the process equipment for the electric arc furnace, the 110-metric-t twin ladle furnace, the material handling system and the structural steel work, and will also supervise the construction and commissioning of all the installations.
The scope of delivery also includes the associated electrical installations and automation, the power supply – including transformers – and the complete, end-to-end process automation. Three LiquiRob systems will handle potentially dangerous tasks, such as taking temperatures and samples. Solutions such as the automatic sand refilling, a weighing system and the automated tap hole manipulator will optimize operation of the electric arc furnace.
_{(Source: Primetals Technologies, Limited)}