London, April 11, 2023

Primetals Technologies receives final acceptance for modernization of millstand drives

• Upgrade ensures that the complete drive system meets the most modern standards
• Secured supply of spare parts for millstand drives
• SSAB Hämeenlinna grants final acceptance certificate for Phase 1 of the modernization project

In February 2023, Primetals Technologies received the final acceptance certificate (FAC) from the Hämeenlinna steelworks, a part of steel producer SSAB, for a comprehensive upgrade of the main drives for millstand No. 1 at the 4-stand tandem cold rolling mill in Hämeenlinna, Finland. This milestone marks the successful completion of Phase 1 of the modernization project. The second phase encompasses upgrading the main drives for millstand No. 2.

Replacing obsolete technology

Primetals Technologies upgraded the complete drive system, including transformers, drive, and motor, at millstand No. 1. The project involved the manufacture of a synchronous motor that uses a new stator as well as a spare rotor and slip rings. The old oil transformers were replaced with new maintenance free and environmentally friendly dry-type transformers. Also, the controllers and drive systems were upgraded to state-of-the-art technology. New excitation and auxiliary systems round off the Phase 1 scope.

The team from Primetals Technologies found a solution to successfully merge the existing and new hardware and software systems. As part of the solution, the Level 1 automation system was modified and optimized to match the new environment.

Successful recent projects

The upgrade secures the supply of spare parts for the millstand drives and increases the availability of the tandem cold rolling mill. A key reason why Primetals Technologies originally won the order was the successful collaboration between SSAB Hämeenlinna and Primetals Technologies on several recent projects, including a modernization of the Level 2 automation system at the tandem cold rolling mill in 2022 and a modernization of the Level 1 automation system at the same mill in 2017.

The 4-stand tandem cold rolling mill at SSAB Hämeenlinna produces coils with widths from 660 to 1,575 millimeters and thicknesses from 0.35 to 3.1 millimeters. SSAB Hämeenlinna manufactures premium products for customers in the automotive industry. These items include ultra-high strength galvanized steel, used, for example, for producing car safety components.

Premsingh Bist, Project Manager & Lead Engineer at Primetals Technologies, Jari Puurtinen, Development Manager for Process Automation & Project Manager for electrics and automation at SSAB Hämeenlinna, and Dong Yan, Drives Commissioning Engineer at Primetals Technologies, on site when the first coil was produced after the completion of Phase 1 of the millstand modernization at SSAB Hämeenlinna.

Primetals Technologies, Limited, headquartered in London, United Kingdom, is a pioneer and world leader in the fields of engineering, plant building, and the provision of lifecycle services for the metals industry. The company offers a complete technology, product, and services portfolio that includes integrated electrics and automation, digitalization, and environmental solutions. This covers every step of the iron and steel production chain—from the raw materials to the finished product—and includes the latest rolling solutions for the nonferrous metals sector. Primetals Technologies is a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group Company, with around 7,000 employees worldwide. To learn more about Primetals Technologies, visit the company website www.primetals.com.