Siemens modernizes basic automation in the hot strip mill at Alunorf

Together with Aluminium Norf GmbH (Alunorf), located in Neuss, Germany, Siemens Metals Technologies will modernize the complete basic automation of hot strip mill no. 2. This involves converting the initial Simadyn-D-based equipment installed in 1994 to Simatic TDC without disrupting production. Siemens had previously received an order to modernize the main drives. The conversion work is scheduled to be completed by December 2015.

With the modernization of the basic automation (level 1) of the ingot approach section, roughing and finishing mill, coilers and coil conveyers in hot strip mill no. 2 in Neuss, Siemens and Alunorf will bring another major part of the plant equipment up to the state of the art. Alunorf will convert the process signal inputs and outputs to an intelligent Simatic ET200 process interface system in advance. The interfaces to the Simatic WinCC operating system, the Siemens process computer system and other parts of the plant will remain unchanged. This will limit the work to integrating the newly supplied systems. This conversion will take place during ongoing production, but it will also take advantage of the regular maintenance shutdowns. The correct functioning of the new systems will be tested in "shadow mode", which will avoid the conversion causing production outages.

Aluminium Norf GmbH was founded in 1965. It is a joint venture of Novelis Deutschland GmbH and Hydro Aluminium Rolled Products GmbH. Alunorf runs the world's largest aluminum melting plant and rolling mill in Neuss. The company employs over 2,100 people, and sells around 1.5 million tons of hot and cold-rolled aluminum strip per annum. As part of a program of continual investment in its production facilities, Alunorf is currently modernizing the electrical equipment of hot strip mill no. 2. This part of the plant was equipped with Siemens electrical and automation equipment, and brought into operation in 1994.

The main reasons for receiving this latest order were the technical competence of Siemens, the sophisticated conversion concept, and the successful cooperation between Alunorf and Siemens on a number of projects in the past. Siemens received the order to modernize the main drives of the hot strip mill several months ago. The new, high performance, forward-looking automation system will complete the modernization of the automation in the Alunorf hot strip mill no. 2.