02.09.2021. Steeltec from Emmenbrücke in Switzerland, a member of the Swiss Steel Group, is increasing its flexibility in steel processing. ABP’s ESS induction heater for bars will be installed there this summer.
Induction bar heating system
The ESS induction heating system, which ABP is installing for Steeltec, consists of six coils and has a length of 8 m. The system is equipped with an IGBT multi-converter, which features a total power of 5,400 kW. ABP’s IGBT technology stands for highest efficiency. Its modular design and plug & play modules makes the customer extremely flexible. Its zone control makes it possible to change the temperature curve according to different parameters.
The induction bar heating system is ideal for a variety of processes, such as continuous bar heating or a batch operation. The ESS type enables easy temperature adjustment to be performed for different steel grades while optimising axial and radial temperature distribution. Driven rollers convey the bars through the induction coils and heat them to rolling temperature. Conveying speed and heater output are continuously adjusted to suit the respective production conditions.
Focus on efficiency and sustainability
What is special about the ABP development is its focus on efficiency and sustainability. For instance, each zone can be regulated individually and the temperature profile can be adjusted accordingly. The ESS boasts low energy consumption, and the coil design relies on a robust construction and a specially developed copper profile for high electrical efficiency. Thermprof® simulation software is also used to simulate and optimise the temperature curve. The ESS control system can be linked to a Level 2 control system for this purpose. As a result, automation potentials can be fully exploited. The ESS control system also offers a wide range of functions to optimally adapt the intermediate heating to the rolling process.
(Source: ABP Induction Systems)
