With the high production rate of 180 t/h and the large strip cross section (up to 6.35 mm thickness and up to 1,854 mm width) this line sets a new worldwide standard for hot strip galvanizing. Nucor decided in favor of SMS group due to the outstanding reference situation and the capability to deliver the whole line from a single source as a system supplier. Startup is anticipated for 2019.
The heat-to-coat process based on SMS patented technology excels with its high profitability, as all processes take place in a single facility. The process permits the production of galvanized steel strip with durable corrosion protection, an appealing visual appearance, as well as an increased mechanical load-capacity while still maintaining low production and investment costs. Due to the integrated inductive galvannealing furnace the line is also able to produce galvannealed strips.
There is a broad area of applications for galvanized hot strip, especially in construction, transportation and automotive industry. Furthermore, it is possible to substitute galvanized cold strip with hot strip.
The U-shape design allows a quick and easy bypass of the coating section in order to use the line as a continuous pickling line and produce just pickled and oiled material. Since entry and exit are located side by side also fewer staff is required.
Furthermore, the process stands for an environmentally-friendly production of galvanized material since the whole process takes place in one line and uses efficient technologies. Compared to the conventional process some process steps are even omitted. Another advantage is the inductive furnace which operates with electrical energy and therefore emission free. Furthermore, a special fume exhaust system will be integrated which ensures low emission rates for the whole process.
The line is equipped with numerous high-performance plant components for an economical and reliable production. An X-Pro laser welding machine is being integrated which stands for fast and safe welding. Efficient descaling without overpickling takes place in the turbulence pickling system. The powerful induction furnace serves for the high production rate. The zinc layer thickness is precisely adjusted by a FOEN air-knife system, which is especially equipped for galvanizing of thick hot strips. The aerodynamically optimized nozzle-module design minimizes strip vibration while maintaining high cooling capacity in the Drever cooling section.
For post treatment a skin pass mill, a tension leveler and a horizontal roll coater system are integrated.
_{(Source: SMS group)}