19 September 2011 // Press centre PJSC "AZOVSTAL IRON & STEEL WORKS"
Implementation of the investment project – construction of the controlled cooling unit at Azovstal Plate Mill - is nearing the most critical stages
In a short while, during major repair at the mill area of the Plate Mill, erection of one of the main components of the controlled cooling unit complex – hot plate leveler – will be started. All nonstandard and standard components of the machine, 23 items in total weighing over 463 tons, have been delivered to Azovstal this week as it was scheduled.
While the equipment was in transit, substantial preparatory work was done in the shop – the foundation was constructed for installing the hot plate leveler. To date, rebar steel has been laid and foundation casting is being performed in the mill bay of the Plate Mill on the cleared production site. Hot plate leveler is an important component of the controlled cooling unit. It will be used for leveling hot plates after controlled cooling to ensure the required plate flatness. The controlled cooling itself is as and advanced process of rolled plate cooling.
Commissioning of the controlled cooling unit will allow Azovstal to make transition to thermomechanical rolling followed by the accelerated cooling and thus to achieve improved mechanical properties of steel that are presently achieved by addition of alloying elements. Using this advanced process and equipment, Azovstal will improve efficiency and cut the cost of its products.