In June 2022, voestalpine Stahl GmbH commissioned the first part of the complete modernization of the control system from Primetals Technologies at the LD3 steelworks in Linz, Austria. In the first phase, the control systems of the three converter lines were updated. Prior to commissioning, the new solution was successfully tested with a “digital twin” of the system.
The adoption of existing software libraries saves extensive function tests and avoids long shutdowns. Updating the entire control system is intended to improve investment security for the steel mill and the availability of process automation. The entire project will be completed in 16 phases by the end of 2022 and will involve more than 100 individual control systems.
First part of modernization completed
The first phase of the modernization project covered the controls of the three converter lines and the higher-level converter area. Upgrading of the controls from the secondary metallurgy, slab treatment and dedusting units will follow in further phases to be completed by the end of 2022. Before a new control system goes into operation, a system test is carried out using a “digital twin”, which provides a digital test and simulation environment with all production system functions.
Extensive tests and long shutdowns spared
The old control system of voestalpine Stahl’s LD3 steelworks at the site in Linz, Austria, is based on SIMATIC PCS 7 with a large number of software libraries. This process control system is one of the largest PCS 7 installations worldwide. Primetals Technologies will take over the existing libraries as part of the
update of the entire control system, Primetals Technologies will take over the existing libraries. This saves extensive testing of important functions in all units and avoids long plant downtimes.
Safety and availability improved
The update brings the aging control system up to date. The new process control system ensures the availability of electronic spare parts, improves the operational reliability of the controls and ensures long-term compatibility with the latest hardware and software. Throughout the project, detailed documentation ensures that existing TÜV certificates for the control system remain valid after the conversion
