Siemens VAI Metals Technologies will supply the ArcelorMittal Kriviy Rih in Ukraine with secondary metallurgical equipment, a six-strand billet caster and the requisite auxiliary systems. The order also includes a comprehensive service agreement under which Siemens VAI and DP Siemens Ukraine will provide services related to the local supply and service contracts for construction and installation and prepare the documentation required for approvals by Ukrainian authorities.
The new plants are designed for an annual production of 1.4 million ton of billets and are scheduled to come into operation in September 2011. ArcelorMittal Kriviy Rih has projected overall investment costs at USD 100 million of which the Siemens VAI order is worth around EUR 30 million.
Mr Jean Jouet CEO of ArcelorMittal Kriviy Rih said the reason behind the order “Worldwide today more than 80% of long products are being produced using continuous casting technology. As our strategy is focused on modernization and efficiency improvement, we are moving to this modern state of the art technology. With the new billet line, ArcelorMittal Kriviy Rih plans to cut both specific energy consumption and pollution emissions by 10% for each ton of steel produced. At the same time, yield is to be increased by 10%.”
The secondary metallurgical equipment to be supplied by Siemens comprises a new ladle furnace and the complete alloying facilities including the weighing and transport systems. An integrated basic automation system for the furnace, alloying systems and dust cleaning system will ensure optimal interaction between all plant components. The ladle furnace will also be equipped with a Level 2 process-optimization system. This will enable ArcelorMittal to produce a wider range of steel grades.
