The stock corporation of Dillinger Hüttenwerke (Dillinger) has successfully converted its slab pusher furnace 2 in the rolling mill. What may sound unspectacular actually brings “serious” benefits. After successfully completing the investment of €26 million, Dillinger will be able to produce even more “super heavy” sheets more sustainably.
“We can now heat the 600-millimeter slabs cast on the CC 6 continuous caster – currently the thickest in the world – directly in the pusher furnace. This means a significant increase in capacity compared to the previous process in the shuttle kiln,” explains Dr. Peter Maagh, Director of Technology and Production.
Increased availability
For the customer, this means that the availability of large, heavy sheets increases. With these, weld seams can be saved and, thanks to more efficient production, more offshore foundations can ultimately be produced and installed. The modernization of the slab impact furnace, as well as the new edge milling machine for the delivery of “fabricated” offshore wind sheets, is one of a number of investments in the offshore wind market that are currently being planned and implemented at Dillinger.
“Offshore wind is a growth market in which we, as market leaders, want to participate significantly,” says CEO Stefan Rauber, explaining the future-oriented investment strategy. “With our technology, our innovative products and our service for customers, we are a strong driving force for the energy transition. This is also part of our future responsibility, which we take on in the spirit of Pure Steel +.”
Renovation according to plan
The conversion of the slab pusher furnace 2 in the Dillinger rolling mill was completed on schedule in exactly three months, despite extensive work, including the machine foundations. In addition to increasing slab thickness and weight, the modernized furnace saves 750 MWh of electrical energy annually, which is equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of 250 households.
