In May 2020, Primetals Technologies received the final acceptance certificates (FAC) for a fully automatic dummy bar top feeding system for the CC3 two-strand continuous caster of Baoshan Iron and Steel Co Ltd. (Baosteel) at Steelworks No. 1 in Shanghai.
With the new solution the operator starts the fully automatic insertion of a dummy bar into the mold and the fully automatic takeover from hoist to careach by pushing only one button. To witness and validate the position of all moveable components, Primetals Technologies has installed several additional safety-related measuring systems as e.g. safetyencoders, laser distance sensors and safety limit switches.
The new solution relieves operators from routine tasks, saves valuable time and guarantees safety requirements despite the automatic processes. The automatic sequence can be started from the casting platform (by push button on LCP) or from themain control room via Level 1 – HMI (Integrated Control Center – Room “ICC”).

Project background

This project was part of the modernization of the CC3 continuous caster at Steelworks No. 1 in Shanghai. In 2019, a new Integrated Control Center (ICC) for controlling and monitoring the entire continuous casting plant was commissioned including two casting platform robots and a new facial recognition system.
Baoshan Iron & Steel Co Ltd. is part of the newly formed China Baowu Steel Group Corp Ltd, the second largest steel producer in the world with a production capacity of 70 million metric tons. Baosteel produces high-quality products for both the Chinese domestic and world markets. The CC3 continuous caster at Steelworks No. 1 in Shanghai produces slabs in two strands, each with a width ofbetween 1,200 and 2,300 mm, with an annual production capacity of 2.3 million metric tons.
_{(source: Primetals Technologies, Ltd.)}