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Metals Technologies
Secondary metallurgy solutions
Technology, mechanical engineering, automation and
electrical engineering from a single source top values in productivity,
consumption and availability
2
From alloy handling to degassing, desulfurization, and decarburization,
the production of high-quality steels without secondary metallurgy is unthink-
able. Its crucial that the entire plant meets all prescribed performance values
while at the same time delivering the planned steel quality in a safe, repro-
ducible manner. Our work is focused on fulfilling these requirements.
You expect
K Efficient production and maximum
productivity through application of
comprehensive plant expertise
K Reliable delivery times, prompt com-
missioning, fast run-up and reliable
spare part supply
K Flexible plant design for the produc-
tion of various steel qualities
K Low, demonstrably reachable consump-
tion values for alloying elements and
energy
K Reliable compliance with environ-
mental regulations including future
requirements
3
Your challenge:
Refining crude steel,
improving performance
Perfect teamwork for
maximum efficiency
High availability, short charge cycle times,
low consumption values, and reduced
personnel costs are decisive factors for
the performance and productivity of your
secondary metallurgy. All of this requires
basic expertise from your solution
provider:
K Only finely tuned process control and
automation ensure efficient use of
personnel and short cycle times.
K Only precise scaling of design parame-
ters for the material used can guarantee
verifiable conformance with consump-
tion values.
K And only the correct plant design
leads to minimal space costs for the
vacuum pump, alloying facility, and
metallurgical vessels.
Your customers require the best
Does your plant need to produce a wide
variety of products? Do you need to
quickly adapt to different requirements?
Are you looking to reliably fulfill challeng-
ing expectations perhaps in the area of
ULC steels, where today a carbon content
of less than 20 ppm is often expected?
This requires mechanics specifically
designed for steel mills as well as an
efficient automation solution and high-
ly developed process models for various
steel qualities. But the parameters that
influence the process must also be stable
and calculable, especially when it comes
to the power supply.
High plant performance
must be long-lasting
The expertise of your service and main-
tenance personnel has a significant influ-
ence on plant operation, safety, and avail-
ability. Thats why your solution provider
must be able to pass on available knowl-
edge to operating personnel, and to sup-
port your service experts at any time with
necessary spare parts.
In short: A commitment is needed that
goes beyond whats often seen in the
industry today.
Environmental require-
ments are also growing
International agreements and national
laws require a reduction of pollution
and CO
2
emissions. And naturally you
also have a responsibility to the people
and the country where you are produc-
ing. So you should also evaluate your
solution provider on how well they can
support increasing environmental re-
quirements both today and tomorrow.
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The right approach:
Our secondary metallurgy solutions
for your EAF or BOF steelmaking shop
K An MES (Manufacturing Execution Sys-
tem) solution for optimized production
planning and for minimizing of raw
materials consumption.
Our offerings also include power quality
solutions for a stable, fault-free energy
supply for your secondary metallurgy,
even under high power loads.
Complying with emission limits
including future standards
As a complete plant supplier we can pre-
cisely configure the downstream environ-
mental technology to the gas exhaust
parameters and the secondary metallurgy
process cycle. Youre assured of not only
fulfilling todays limit values, but of being
prepared for tomorrows regulations as
well.
Ensured performance
throughout the entire life-cycle
With reliable operation thanks to knowl-
edge transfer from our training experts,
and assured spare part supply, Siemens
VAIs comprehensive service offerings
boost plant availability throughout the
entire life-cycle. And we also cover your
strategically planned modernization
at just the right point in time in terms
of both technology and economics.
All components from Siemens VAI are
built to withstand the highest everyday
loads. We achieve this through extensive
standardization, many years of teamwork
with selected suppliers, certified output
controls, and systematic quality assurance.
In addition, we guarantee that parts criti-
cal to performance will be produced in
Germany.
The result: Assured delivery times, high
availability and a long plant life-cycle.
Coordinated layout optimized process
Just as decisive as component quality
is the optimization of plant layout and
process.
Our experience helps us precisely coor-
dinate movement cycles in order to mini-
mize secondary processing times and
use electrical and thermal energy more
efficiently. And by holistically taking all
upstream and downstream plants into
account, the individual cycle times can
be cleanly balanced.
Automation with power
for productivity and quality
All secondary metallurgy processes, from
ladle furnace to vacuum treatment plant,
are covered using an easily integrated
automation solution from Siemens VAI.
In addition to process control, it also
offers:
K Continuously developed process mod-
els for the reliable, reproducible pro-
duction of various steel qualities.
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What does working with Siemens VAI stand for? It stands for thirty years of vacuum
technology and 100 years of Siemens experience as partner to the metals industry
and an installed base of 180 secondary metallurgical plants. This unique combination
of technology, mechanical and electrical engineering, and automation under the name
of Siemens VAI is your guarantee that all your requirements will be met.
Good reasons for our
secondary metallurgy solutions
K Reliable fulfillment of the contractual
conditions through a reliable plant
from an experienced partner
K Faster, more reliable run-up using
operator-friendly plants in combination
with the process expertise of Siemens VAI
K Highest productivity, flexible process
management and availability using
perfectly coordinated technology, auto-
mation and process models
K Always at the forefront of technical
developments, for example through
T-COB lance, the two-stage vacuum
pump and powerful automation
solutions
K Fast amortization thanks to mini -
mized consumption figures, high avail-
ability and assured productivity
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The VD process
During vacuum treatment the carbon,
oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and sulfur
contents are reduced in different process
steps depending on the melt composi-
tion. A vacuum alloy hopper system allows
for compositional adjustments. Good
homogenization and high alloy yields are
characteristic features of this process. De-
pending on the metal lurgical reactions in
the ladle, a freeboard of 6001,200 mm
is required. In order to increase productiv-
ity, the VD system can also be designed
(or expanded) to a twin-vessel system.
Vacuum tank degassing systems (VD)
Proven and reliable
80 -t VD plant, Acc. Venete S.P.A., Camin, Italy
Vacuum tank degassing is one of the old-
est degassing techniques in use in the
steel industry for improving steel quality.
A teeming ladle is placed in a vacuum
tank, which is connected to a vacuum
pump system. The ladle is equipped with
13 porous plugs through which inert
gas is injected into the melt to promote
stirring. Metallurgical reactions such as
degassing, deoxidation, decarburization,
desulfurization and alloying take place
under vacuum conditions.
Vacuum alloying hopper
Vacuum cover
TV camera
Suction line
Slide gate
T&S lance
Heat shield
Vacuum vessel
Argon brick
Good homogenization
and high alloy yields.
Features and benefits
K Accelerated reactions under vacuum
conditions
K Achieving low contents of carbon,
oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen and sulfur
K Improved steel cleanliness, especially
with respect to oxides and sulfides
K Low investment and operational costs
Selected references
Salzgitter AG, Salzgitter, Germany
Azovstal, Mariupol, Ukraine
olakoglu Metalurji A.S., Gebze, Turkey
The VOD system is a tank degassing
unit which is additionally equipped
with an oxygen blowing lance. This ad-
ditional oxygen supply can be used for
the produc tion of extra low carbon grade
stainless steel (forced decarburization) or
for chemical heating of the melt in con-
junction with aluminum/silicon additions
(VD-OB process). The vacuum pump is
designed accordingly, having a higher
capacity in order to cope with the in-
creased off-gas volume.
Metallurgical benefits
K Production of ULC grades (VD-OB
process)
K Production of extra low Carbon stain-
less steel grades (VOD process)
K Operation possible with varying initial
carbon contents
K Flexibility to use lower cost HC alloying
materials
K Low chromium oxidation losses in
stainless steel production resulting
from low partial pressure
K High rate of chromium recovery by slag
metallurgy
K Chemical heating
K Low final content of dissolved gas
K Improved steel cleanliness (non-
metallic inclusions)
K Achievement of exact compositional
values
Selected references
Lisco, Guangzhou, P.R. China
Wuyang ISCO, Wuyang, P.R. China
Gerdau Acos Finos Piratini,
Porto Alegre, Brazil
Acc. Venete S.P.A., Camin, Italy
VD-OB / VOD system
For maximum metallurgical flexibility
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110 -t VD/VOD plant, Wuyang ISCO, Wuyang, China
Vacuum alloying hopper
Vacuum cover
TV camera
Suction line
Slide gate
T&S lance
Water-cooled
heat shield
Vacuum vessel
Argon brick
Oxygen lance
Production of ultralow carbon
grades and stainless steel
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The RH process is carried out in a
refractory-lined vessel, equipped with
two snorkels which are immersed in the
steel bath. By reducing the system pres-
sure and injecting inert gas into the upleg
snorkel, the melt rises into the vacuum
vessel where decarburization, degassing
and other degassing reactions take place.
The steel then recirculates the entire heat
which will be rapidly treated. Immersion
of the snorkels is either carried out by
lowering the vacuum vessel or by lifting
the ladle. In order to minimize vessel ex-
change time a quick-change vessel
system can be provided.
Metallurgical benefits
K Optimum decarburization to less than
15 ppm
K Operation also with varying initial car-
bon contents
K Flexibility to use lower-cost HC alloying
materials
K Chemical heating of the melt possible
K Low final content of dissolved gas
K Improved overall steel cleanliness
K Achievement of exact compositional
values
RH plants
The vacuum circulation process
150 -t RH plant, Benxi ISCO, Benxi, P.R. China Removing the snorkels
Vacuum
alloying
hopper
Argon
tuyeres
Vacuum vessel
Suction line
Slide gate
Vessel
bottom
tuyeres
Ladle
Side wall
burner
T-COB lance
Fast
decarburization
Selected references
voestalpine Stahl, Linz, Austria
ArcelorMittal Mditerrane,
Fos-sur-Mer, France
Maanshan ISCO,
Maanshan, P.R. China
Zhangjiagang Hongfa (ZHF),
Jinfeng Town, P.R. China
ArcelorMittal Gent (Sidmar), Gent,
Belgium
Companhia Siderrgica Paulista
(COSIPA), Cubato, Brazil
ArcelorMittal Tubaro (CST),
Tubaro, Brazil
Gerdau Aominas, Sao Paulo,
Brazil
Zhangjiagang Rong Sheng (ZRS),
Jinfeng Town, P.R. China
Jiang Yin Xing Cheng, Jiangyin
City, P.R. China
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170 -t RH/T-COB plant at COSIPA, Cubatao, Brazil
T-COB lance
Perfectly controlled decarburization
T-COB lance in process
UV cell for flame control
Laval nozzle
for oxygen blowing
Camera
Ignition burner
T-COB lance (Technometal Combined Ox-
ygen Blowing) is provided at an RH plant
for the injection of oxygen for forced de-
carburization, chemical heating, injection
of gas and oxygen for vessel preheating,
as well as for skull removal inside the RH
vessel. Thus, a T-COB lance is crucial for
the production of ultralow carbon steel
grades.
The lance is equipped with a UV cell for
flame control during burning. The lance
can be equipped with a camera to ob-
serve steel circulation, alloying additions
during treatment, the flame development
dur ing burner function for safety reasons
and for refractory inspections. In addi-
tion, a pyrometer can be installed inside
the vessel for temperature measurements
to avoid damage to the refractory and for
the continuous measurement of the steel
temperature.
Features
K Oxygen blowing for decarburization
and chemical heating
K Heating temperature burner
approx. 1,400 C
K RH vessel heating up to 50 C/h
K Skull removal
Main benefits
K Possible to decarburize heats with
higher carbon levels
K The steel can be heated during RH
treatment
K Quick skull removal using burner
function
K Can be used for heating of RH vessel
K Observation of steel circulation
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Features and benefits
K Use of only one DETEM ladle for fur-
nace tapping, vacuum treatment and
casting
K Low temperature losses with the use of
high-grade insulation materials and a
specially designed ladle shape charac-
terized by a small freeboard
K Reaction space provided for the special
DETEM ladle and ladle cover
Developed in the mid-1980s, the DETEM
process represents the ideal solution for
secondary metallurgical operations for
small heat sizes ranging from 5 to 20 tons.
The process was the result of a joint re-
search and development project between
Siemens VAI and Drrenberg Edelstahl.
All process steps which are possible in
VD and VOD plants can be economically
carried out with the DETEM process, even
the production of special and stainless
steel grades. DETEM plants are in opera-
tion worldwide, particularly in micromills,
forging shops and foundries.
The DETEM process
The clever way to economic metallurgy
K Unique vacuum sealing system between
the ladle and vacuum cover, consisting
of a combination of refractory materials
and neoprene
K Extremely low suction capacities re-
quired due to small system volume
K Therefore, low consumption of steam
and cooling water
K Identical metallurgical benefits as with
VD/VOD plants
Selected references
Drrenberg Edelstahl, Rnderoth,
Germany
R.W. Carrs, Sheffield, United Kingdom
Microsteel, Durban, South Africa
Shougang Gitane, Shougang, P.R. China
Breitenfeld Edelstahl AG, Mitterdorf,
Austria
Emirates Techno Casting (ETC), Dubai,
U.A.E.
5 -t DETEM vacuum degassing plant at R.W. Carrs,
Sheffield, United Kingdom
12 -t DETEM plant for stainless steelmaking at Microsteel,
Durban, South Africa
Alloying
hopper
Argon
brick
Oxygen lance
Slide gate
Suction
line
Compensator
Vacuum
cover
Vacuum
ladle
Vacuum trough
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Design features
Our ladles share the same outstanding
design features as in SIMETAL
CIS
EAF. A
compact design guarantees minimum
space requirement while offering easy ac-
cess to the roof and for electrode replace-
ment. The main features comprise:
K Water-cooled roof without refractory
lining in center area
K Automatic lance manipulators for
temperature measuring, sampling,
stirring, and/or powder injection
K Wire feeding for deoxidation and
microalloying
K Automatic coupling system for stirring
gas
K Inert gas stirring system (porous plugs
and/or purging lance)
Layout arrangements
K Single ladle furnace:
Fixed or swiveling gantry
Single or twin ladle cars or turret
K Twin ladle furnace:
Swing-type gantry with two roofs
Standing or hanging gantry
Twin ladle cars or turrets
Main benefits
K Buffer function between melting and
casting
K Reduced melting unit refining time and
tapping temperature
K Exact temperature adjustment for con-
tinous casting
K Steel purification and homogenization
K Exact adjustment of the steel composi-
tion (metallurgical fine-tuning)
K Improvements in productivity, casting
yield and steel quality
K Reduction in total costs
K Reduction in refractory consumption
Selected references
Single ladle furnace:
Mittal Steel, Karmet, Kazakhstan
MMK Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel
Works, Magnitogorsk, Russia
voestalpine Stahl, Linz, Austria
Twin ladle furnace:
ArcelorMittal Carinox, Chtelet, Belgium
Azovstal, Mariupol, Ukraine
Salzgitter Flachstahl, Salzgitter,
Germany
Operational features
K Operation with submerged long arc
under synthetic slag
K Efficient energy input with high active
power and efficient heat transfer
K Stirring by blowing inert gas into the
steel to improve fast slag reactions and
heat transfer
K Treatment times of less than 20 min
(twin LF)
K Buffer function between melt shop
and caster
K Divert refining time from the EAF/
converter
K Decrease tapping temperature at the
EAF/converter
K Exact temperature adjustment for con-
tinuous casting
K Improvement in casting performance
by exact ladle arriving time
K Steel purification and homogenization
K Exact adjustment of the steel composi-
tion (metallurgical fine-tuning)
K Improved cleanliness of the steel
K All steel qualities, including stainless
steel, can be treated
165 -t twin ladle furnaces at Carinox, Chtelet, Belgium
Ladle furnaces
The quality link between melting and casting
Installation of a ladle furnace between the
melting and casting areas is vital to assure
quality and/or productivity improvements in
steelmaking. Ladle furnace arrangements
include single stations (with fixed/swiveling
gantries or with ladle cars/turrets) and also
twin stations (two roofs) with one swiveling
electrode gantry.
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Vacuum pumps and dust removal
The heart of every vacuum degassing plant
The vacuum pump systems necessary
for vacuum degassing units are entirely
designed and engineered by Siemens VAI
process specialists. This ensures that the
technical performance of each supplied
pump system will meet the process and
metallurgical requirements under all cli-
matic conditions.
Corus Aldwarke, Rotherham, England
Full range of solutions
Cooling tower
Water ring pumps
A typical pump system consists of an
arrangement of steam ejectors with the
necessary condensation stages, often in
combination with water ring pumps.
Siemens VAI offers the full range of
pumping systems, including customized
and cost-saving solutions for tailpipe and
hot-well tank systems.
An economic solution
for dust removal
Significant dust quantities (up to 5 kg of
dust per ton of treated steel) are gener-
ated during vacuum degassing processes,
mainly with oxygen blowing. In order to
avoid the high investment costs which
could be necessary for a water treatment
plant, including a sludge thickener and
sludge disposal system, a specially de-
signed bag filter unit is installed in the
suction line prior to the vacuum pump.
Virtually all of the generated dust is re-
moved from the waste gas stream under
vacuum conditions.
Hybrid pump Full steam ejector pump
Cooling tower
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Vacuum pumps and dust removal Advanced automation solutions
Enhancing the overall performance
Siemens VAI stands for the combination
of technological expertise and unique
automation experience. Basic automation,
process control, process models for vari-
ous steel qualities and master production
planning on the MES (Manufacturing
Execution System) level all come from
one source closely tuned in to plant
construction.
Our comprehensive automation solu-
tion for secondary metallurgy is based
on an integrated, open concept for all
processes from ladle furnace to vacuum
treatment units.
The modular design ensures that every
unit of the automation system can be
separately planned, started up and re-
paired without an interruption of the
entire process. The central performance
characteristics are found in the following
overview:
Main benefits
K Stable production conditions, system-
atic quality improvement
K Higher productivity through optimized
treatment
K Secure investment thanks to high flex-
ibility for expansions
K Reduced downtimes, service and spare
parts costs through preventative service
concepts
Vacuum model calculations
K Cyclic calculation of remaining degas-
sing time and C contents in steel bath
K Periodic recalculation (flexibly adjust-
able) of exact steel bath temperature
and energy content
K Prediction of completion of heat based
on actual operating parameters and
target values
Heat pacing
K Calculation of required vacuum treat-
ment time
K Recommendation of necessary operat-
ing procedures
K Exact coordination of secondary
metallurgical operations
K Treatment progress information to
continuous caster
Operator guidance
K User-friendly, instantaneous, graphical
display of all important process data
K Recommendation of operating proce-
dures for fulfilling all quality and pro-
duction demands
K Analysis of previous heat histories and
trends
Metallurgical model
K Final adjustment of steel bath chemical
composition on a cost-optimized basis
K Continual recalculation of steel bath
and slag chemistry, considering the
composition of all charged materials and
the resulting metallurgical reactions
K Desulfurization, alloying and deoxida-
tion included
Thermal supervision and control
K Periodic recalculation of exact steel
bath temperature and energy content
K Automatic temperature control for
sequence casting
Keeping an eye on resources,
keeping planning under control
The automation solution also encompass-
es MES solutions that address questions
such as: Is the resource available, in use
or being repaired? Is it configured proper-
ly for the planned processing step? What
is its history? Its performed operating
hours, defect tendency, etc.?
In this way, the rough and the detail
planning can be realistically aligned
to the available resources and then
implemented.
ERP
MES
Automation
Power, drives and infrastructure
Process
... from the field up to the management level Leading automation solutions based on standards such as
SIMATIC S7 and SIMATIC IT on all plant levels ...
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To be successful in the steel market
today, a producer must continually
improve steel quality as well as produc-
tivity and reduce conversion costs.
Continuous development in technology,
equipment and systems means that with
relatively small investments, major im-
provements can be made in steel qual-
ity, plant performance and production
efficiency.
Siemens VAI offers a comprehensive
range of tailor-made upgrading solutions
for the harsh operating conditions of
electric steelmaking. All components and
systems supplied are designed for endur-
ance, easy access and low maintenance
and offer superb value for the money.
Features
K Multidimensional problem-solving
expertise capabilities for turnkey
system supply
K Individual, customer-oriented solution
approach
K Minimum interruption in ongoing plant
operations
Our services
Best performance throughout the lifetime of your plant
K Proven short solution implementation
times within scheduled plant shutdowns
K Fast response and short delivery times
K Rapid action response teams in emer-
gency situations
K Continual technology and service im-
provement through partner feedback
K Worldwide service network
K In-house workshop for highest-quality
materials and workmanship
K Proven short return on investments
Main benefits
K Continuous improvement in plant
performance
K Higher plant availability
K Technological solutions for boosting
productivity
K Improved and consistent product
quality
K Lower conversion costs
K Long-term relationships and partner-
ships
Tailored solution for the
best steel quality, and the
highest plant efficiency
and performance.
Selected references
Salzgitter Flachstahl, Stahlwerke Bous,
Germany
Gerdau Acos Finos Piratini,
Porto Alegre, Brazil
Hangzhou Iron&Steel, Hanggang,
P.R. China
Hadeed Saudi Iron and Steel Company,
Al-Jubail, Saudi Arabia
MMK Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel
Works, Magnitogorsk, Russia
olakoglu Metalurji A.S., Gebze, Turkey

Services for
steelmakers
Experience, compe-
tence, and expertise
are available as soft
skills in addition to
hardware supplies
and technological
upgrades.
Electric steelmaking: our soft skill services Electric steelmaking: our hardware supply services
Investigation, inspec tions &
feasibility study
Consulting & training Spare parts & components Upgrading & modernization
K Evaluation and
diagnosis
equipment conditions
standard operation
plant performance
K Identification of problems
on-site inspections
bottlenecks
operating practice
K Proposal of solutions to
achieve
new milestones
new targets
higher efficiency
new steel grades
K Fact finding missions
K On-site support: show-how
maintenance
operation
K Assistance during start-ups
K Installation and commis-
sioning services during:
weekly maintenance shifts
yearly shutdown
provision of operational
and maintenance training
and technical assistance,
including know-how and
show-how services
K Supply of spare parts
components
equipment
systems
K Reengineering of
components
K Consignment stock
services
K Repair and remanu facturing
K For any secondary metal-
lurgical equipment portion
and type
K Implementation of innova-
tive technologies
K Performance-enhanced
solutions
secondary metallurgical
design improvement
latest vacuum and
injection technologies
advanced process
models
automation packages
Siemens VAI stands for a successful long-term relationship and partnership
Recycling
M
odern
iz
a
tio
n
N
e
w
in
vestm
ent
Operation
Investigation/inspections & feasibility study
Design
Layout
Construction
Installation
Commissioning


Consulting | Planning | Financing
Service contracts
Spare parts and components
Consulting and training
Online and offline
maintenance
Maintenance contracting
Migration packages
Upgrading and
modernization
Siemens VAI Life-cycle Services
As a plant operator, you have conflicting
needs. On the one hand, your perfor-
mance each quarter is measured against
short-term profitability expectations. On
the other hand, you have to think on a
completely different timescale as com-
pared to the capital market. Depending
on the lifetime of your plant, you have
to take into account 15 years or more.
At the very least, thats 60 full quarters.
But thanks to our comprehensive exper-
tise and integrated approach to solutions,
you benefit both short-term and long-
term from our life-cycle services.
In the short term: Backed by our exten-
sive experience with many reference
plants, we provide you with the certainty
of fast, dependable production start-up
and shorter amortization periods.
In the long term: Our master plan guar-
antees competitive performance for your
plant in every phase of its life-cycle.
Whether were providing 24/7 techni-
cal support, optimizing maintenance or
making permanent plant improvements,
were always working to ensure the cost-
effective operation of your plant.
Life-cycle management
Partnership never ends
15
16
Expertise from experience
Selected success stories with secondary metallurgy solutions
One solution two highlights
Customer: NLMK Novolipetsk Steel, Lipetsk, Russia
Plant type: 2 x 330t ladle furnace; Highlight: CaSi Injection; slag stopper unit between BOF converter and ladle furnace
Our solution: Installation of two 330t LF including alloy system, complete Automation and Auxilliaries.
Complete metallurgical support.
The result: Extension of product range (e.g. very low sulfur content steel grades for gas pipes and marine pipes)
Decrease of BOF converter tapping temperature
Increase of productivity
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Optimized logistics boosting productivity
Customer: ArcelorMittal Mditerrane, Fos-sur-Mer, France
Plant type: RH plants with TOP lance, 315 tons heat size
Our solution: Complete implementation of a RH plant with the possibility
to move the ladle car under the vacuum unit.
The result: Very high productivity increase through sophisticated
logistic concept.
The first and largest
Customer: Maanshan ISCO, Maanshan, China
Plant type: RH twin plant with T-COB lance and twin ladle furnace,
330 tons heat size
Our solution: Implementation of the first and largest plant of this type
(a twin plant with quick-change vessels).
The result: Significantly higher productivity and plant availability
than with single RH plants.
Twins
Customer: Salzgitter AG, Salzgitter, Germany
Plant type: VD plant, 210 tons heat size
Our solution: Installation of two twin ladle furnaces in combination
with three VD units for degassing and decarburization.
The result: Increased productivity through arrangement of a
ladle furnace and a VD unit each on one track.
Maximum production, low running costs
Customer: Azovstal, Mariupol, Ukraine
Plant type: VD-OB plant, 350 tons heat size
Our solution: Implementation of the largest twin-VD plant worldwide.
The result: Optimum operating costs through the large charge size.
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Completely Integrated Solutions with Siemens VAI:
Integrated offerings for higher plant performance
Optimized processes
We lay the foundation for optimized
processes with proven, leading products
worldwide, including mechanical and
technological engineering for metal
production, rolling and strip processing
as well as process control engineering,
drive engineering and power supply. Inte-
grated online and offline process models
reflect decades of practical experience
and help to ensure reliable, reproducible
quality.
Our process engineering expertise fuses
these products into complete plant solu-
tions that also accommodate the upstream
and downstream processes. These solu-
tions are the basis for optimal resource
use, minimized waiting times and reduced
maintenance and spare parts costs, as
well as wide flexibility with respect to raw
materials and the resulting products.
Efficient production control
A further factor for competitive produc-
tion is the quality of information process-
ing. Production data must be consoli-
dated and compared with planning data
to ensure optimal production flow.
As a leading supplier for the metals indus-
try Siemens VAI offers integrated infor-
mation technology across all automation
levels from the sensor to the Enterprise
Resource Planning system. Patented solu-
tions, such as for direct reduction plants,
electric arc furnaces, hot strip mills,
profile rolling or processing lines, enable
systematic quality assurance, efficient lo-
gistics, flexible production planning and
scheduling, end-to-end tracking and trac-
ing from raw materials to the end product
and back, and much more.

Maximized life-cycle returns
Services from Siemens VAI help to ensure
high profitability for your plant through-
out the entire life-cycle. Reliable project
implementation by our specialists sets
the course for quick start-up and repay-
ment of funds as scheduled.
During the operating phase, preventive
maintenance, standardized components
and component design that meets the
requirements of steel plants help keep
maintenance costs low. A reliable spare
parts supply with in-house workshops
for key components ensures high avail-
ability. And modernization at the right
time guarantees a high level of competi-
tiveness and compliance with environ-
mental regulations in the future.
Higher availability
Measurable process improvement
Greater productivity
Integrated information technology
Reduced life-cycle costs
Maximum protection of your investment
19
Perfect integration of every aspect
Completely Integrated Solutions
from Siemens VAI your benefits
from an integrated concept:
K High process quality, lower energy costs and in-
creased throughput by taking all process steps
into account
K Reproducible high product quality and efficient
use of charging materials thanks to integrated
process models
K High enterprise quality, low life-cycle costs and
unique investment protection through flexible
production based on metal-specific MES systems,
intelligent plant design and integrated planning.
Completely Integrated Solutions offer
a comprehensive range of products
and services, tailored and refined to the
specific requirements of your plant.
The key to this approach is the close inter-
linking of plant construction, process
engineering, electrical and automation
engineering, sensors and actuators, as
well as information technology and
life-cycle services, seamlessly integrated
by Siemens VAI.
www.siemens-vai.com
For further information please contact:
Siemens VAI
Metals Technologies GmbH
Schifferstr. 22
47059 Duisburg, Germany
Phone: +49 (203) 3182-0
Fax: +49 (203) 3182-100
E-mail: secondarymetallurgy.metals
@siemens.com
Headquarters:
Siemens VAI
Metals Technologies GmbH
P.O. Box 4, Turmstr. 44
4031 Linz, Austria
E-mail: contact.metals@siemens.com
The information provided in this brochure
contains merely general descriptions or
characteristics of performance which in
actual case of use do not always apply
as described or which may change as
a result of further development of the
products. An obligation to provide the re-
spective characteristics shall only exist if
expressly agreed in the terms of contract.
Order No.: E10001-M3-A3-V3-7600
Printed in Germany
Dispo No.: 21661 K No.: 28103
GB WS 03091.5
Subject to change without prior notice
Siemens AG 2009.
All rights reserved.
SIMETAL

is a trademark of Siemens AG.
CIS = Completely Integrated Solutions