Primetals Technologies was awarded this contract on the basis of technological competence and the significant number of successful project references for aluminum hot mills. The tandem hot aluminum mill was designed to meet Chalco’s need to expand capacity to over 370,000 metric tonnes per annum at widths in excess of 2.2 meters, to service the high-quality strip and sheet markets, including printing, packaging, and electronics.
Challenge
As part of a major expansion initiative, Chalco set out to increase its aluminum production capacity to over 370,000 metric tonnes annually, with product widths exceeding 2.2 metres. To support this goal, Primetals Technologies delivered advanced mechanical equipment and cutting-edge automation systems designed to meet Chalco’s demanding performance and quality standards. This collaboration plays a key role in enhancing operational efficiency and supporting Chalco’s long-term growth in the aluminum industry.
Hot finishing mill entry side
Solution
The new 3-stand tandem hot finishing mill is an integral part of an aluminum 1+3 hot line, the key process component of the major plant expansion planned by Ruimin.
In addition to the mechanical equipment, Primetals Technologies supplied all automation technology, the drive systems, and the sensors. The automation system comprises basic automation, including the technological controllers, as well as operation and visualization equipment. Primetals Technologies also supplied the model-based process automation for the complete hot line to ensure the highest standards in product quality. All mechanical and electrical components used are part of its integrated solution for aluminum hot mills. Besides the above, commissioning and customer training were also part of the contract and enabled Chalco to continue running the mill optimally.
Scope of Supply
Three 4-High Stands Including
- Hydraulic automatic gauge control
- Positive and negative bending
- Work roll chock-mounted brushes
- ISV sprays
Mill Exit Equipment Including
- Edge trimmer with separate chopper
- Coiling equipment
Automation System Including
- Basic automation system including technological control
- Sensors and measuring devices
- Process automation system
- Analytical online process models
- Profile, thickness, and temperature control
- Flexible production scheduling
- Data logging and reporting system
- Comprehensive diagnostics
Drive Systems
- Utilizing Sinamics SM150 and S120 converters
Hot finishing mill entry side
Results
Rolling Mill Data
- Mill size: Ø750/1,500 mm x 2,500 mm
- Max. exit strip speed: 460 m/min
- Stand power (each stand): 5,000 kW
- Max. rolling load per stand: 4,000 tons
Product Data
- Product: Hot-rolled aluminum and aluminum alloys (1XXX, 3XXX, 5XXX, and 8XXX series)
- Max. entry thickness: 40 mm
- Min. exit thickness: 2.5 mm
- Min./Max. strip width: 1,050–2,250 mm
- Min./Max. strip width (trimmed): 950–2,150 mm
- Max. coil weight: 23 tons
- Max. coil outside diameter: 2,600 mm
- Max. coil inside diameter: 610 mm
- Specific coil density: 13.1 kg/mm
Hot finishing mill entry side
Benefits
- Flexible, cost-efficient rolling of a wide range of products
- Most advanced and innovative automation
- Tightest strip thickness and profile tolerances
- High surface quality
- Reliable, consistent performance
- Realizing tight tolerances right from the strip head
- Maximum operating efficiency
- Integrated occupational safety concepts
Conclusion
- To support its planned plant expansion, Chalco partnered with Primetals Technologies for expert solutions
- The customer had a need to expand capacity to over 370,000 metric tonnes per annum
- Primetals Technologies supplied advanced mechanical equipment and cutting-edge automation systems
