Primetals Technologies has successfully commissioned advanced process automation systems and technological packages at Rhizao Steel’s integrated plant in China.
The project includes Level 2 automated systems for ladle furnaces, RH plants and LD converters, enabling “one-button steelmaking”.
Zhou Yong Zhi, ESP plant production chief at Rhizao Steel said: “The Primetals Technologies team did an outstanding job commissioning the 300-ton automation upgrade. The project was completed ahead of schedule, meeting all targets.
“The Primetals Technologies Level 1 and Level 2 teams’ technical expertise and teamwork helped manage the complexity of process routes, equipment conditions, and raw materials smoothly. This project sets a strong example for our digital transformation and will be a benchmark for large-tonnage converter “one-button steelmaking” and automation upgrades in the steel industry.”
The solution integrates metallurgical modes, dynamic process control and precise calculations of input materials, allowing operators to manage the entire meltshop with minimal manual input, improving consistency, efficiency, and product quality.
As a result of the upgrade, 95% of the steelmaking process is now automated. An objective of the project was to reduce the amount of manual operator input required during heats, so the automation package uses models that guide operators through each process step, with the system calculating the key process parameters.
Rhizao Steel was founded in 2003 and has an annual crude steel output of 12Mt.
