The efficiency of the seven-stand high-performance hot strip mill is to be significantly increased by an automation upgrade. A new new automation system and latest network technology improve data communication, increase control speed, and optimize diagnostic capabilities.
AM/NS Calvert has commissioned SMS to carry out a major upgrade of the automation control system at its high-capacity hot strip mill in Calvert, Alabama, USA. The aim is to bring the automation technology up to the state of the art and increase the operational efficiency of the hot strip mill.
Scheduled to commence in phases from 2025 to 2027, the automation solution will elevate the mill to a new technological level, providing modern and reliable high-speed control. As well as installing embedded controllers ( X-Pact Embedded controllers), the core of this upgrade is the software platform ( X-Pact ProBAS), which ensures the plant’s high-speed control capabilities. The integration of an EtherCAT real-time Ethernet network for high-speed technological sensors and a Profibus remote I/O system for standard sensors ensures robust and reliable real-time data communication.
According to SMS, this technological advancement provides numerous benefits, including an enhanced graphical programming environment, high-speed control, and improved diagnostic capabilities, which are crucial for maintaining seamless plant operations. The new automation system guarantees digital readiness, which is essential for getting production units and automation systems ready for digitalization with a minimum of effort.
AM/NS Calvert’s seven-stand hot strip mill, with an annual capacity of 5.3 million tons, is a key player in the USA, producing flat carbon steel to the highest specifications. The plant serves diverse markets, including automotive, construction, pipe and tube, service centers, and the appliance/HVAC industries, making this upgrade pivotal for maintaining its competitive edge.
Source: SMS group
