The aim was to increase production efficiency and throughput in anticipation of future demand from the food, chemical, construction and automotive industries.

Technological advancement

To increase line productivity and eliminate the furnace’s current limitations when transitioning between products, Fives proposed installing cutting-edge technology to ensure a more balanced flow across the production chain.

The CELES EcoTransFlux™ is a transverse flux induction heater and a highly compact system designed for rapid heating at extremely high temperatures, even for non-magnetic steel grades. Adding this rapid heating technology to the annealing section speeds up the process and allows for an additional output of more than 16% on certain products. Induction technology is also environmentally friendly as it significantly reduces NOx and CO₂ emissions.

“Arvedi AST has chosen Fives as its technology partner for the project, relying on the company’s undisputed leadership in transverse flux induction heating technology and integrated digital solutions. We firmly believe that the electrification of processes and the implementation of advanced digital solutions, including sophisticated artificial intelligence algorithms, are an integral part of our decarbonization plan for the strategic development of the site”,

says Gian Luca Gigli, CTO at Arvedi AST.

Significant improvements will also be achieved thanks to a digital solution for controlling the heating section.

Virtuo™-L, a thermal process solution, will be installed to decrease fuel consumption and enhance mechanical properties by managing transitions precisely. This industry-proven solution is based on predictive modelling and implements precise furnace control to automatically adjust the heating power and improve the temperature transitions of the strip, regardless of the operator’s shift. Direct benefits include a reduction in coil rejections by more than 5%, as well as better heating management and lower gas consumption.

Additionally, an AI-based cooling model will be introduced to regulate the cooling speed of the strip.

“We are proud to collaborate with Arvedi AST in advancing intelligent manufacturing systems and sustainable process innovations that redefine the future of stainless steel production in the plant”,

says Steve Decroix, Vice President of Steel Services and Digital Sales at Fives.

(Source: Fives Group)