Thyssenkrupp Steel has awarded Primetals Technologies a contract to modernise the slab sizing press at hot-strip mill two in Duisburg, Germany. The project will see a comprehensive upgrade of both the electrical and drive systems.
Other features of the modernisation process include:
- A new cycloconverter for the main press motor
- Low-voltage multi-drive converters
- DC converters for the pinch rolls, gap adjustment and roller table
Thyssenkrupp steel is Germany’s largest flat steel producer, as it produces around 11 million tonnes of crude steel per year. The project is part of the company’s current optimisation efforts in order to focus the product portfolio on future markets and profitable premium products.
While most converter technologies on the slab sizing press will be upgraded, most of the existing transformers and motors will be retained to reduce capital expenditure. It is hoped the project will increase equipment availability and secure a future-proofed supply of parts.
Primetals will also design tailormade cooling solution for the drive room based on a closed-loop air-to-water system at the drive cabinets. An arc fault protection system will also be installed to efficiently extinguish any arc flashes.
Startup is currently scheduled for the third quarter of 2026.
