London, May 17, 2015

Primetals Technologies sells first EAF condition monitoring system to North American Höganäs

• New system monitors electric arc furnace aggregates
• Real-time reporting notes changes outside key parameters
• Information broker offers remote data access

A new system to monitor key parameters of an electric arc furnace has had its first global sale after a successful pilot installation in Germany. North American Höganäs in Hollsopple, Pennsylvania, USA has purchased the condition monitoring system (CMS) and service, together with an upgrade of its existing Electrode Regulation system. The CMS notes changes outside the key parameters and reports them in real time. In addition, an information broker PC offers remote data access. The system will be installed and commissioned in June during a furnace control system upgrade.

A producer of metal powders for specialty parts and tools, North American Höganäs will use the new system on its 50 metric ton electric arc furnace in western Pennsylvania to monitor, among other performance indicators, its utilization index, power on times and energy consumption in real time. The system also surveys the electrode control system’s hardware and software, as well as the hydraulic system, furnace switchgear, transformer tap changer and other parts. Variations outside recommended ranges will be reported to the supervisor through a mobile application or email for faster response times. In addition, the customer will receive regular reports on the furnace performance with a detailed trend analysis of the furnace characteristics and appropriate expert recommendations.

This new system offers predictive as well as preventive maintenance to reduce the cost of regular maintenance cycles. Through a mobile dashboard application, operators can access an overview of the furnace’s automation and controls system. Should any aspect of the system require attention, they can alert the appropriate on-site staff or contact Primetals Technologies service personnel for remote adjustment to prevent or minimize downtime.

The system includes an add-on to the HMI for the electrode regulator itself, as well as an “information broker” PC to receive information feeds from all monitoring systems and then offer remote access to that data.

Primetals Technologies and its predecessor companies have had a longstanding relationship with North American Höganäs that goes back nearly 15 years.

EAF condition monitoring system includes a mobile dashboard application for remote monitoring of key systems’ performance.

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 joint venture of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and partners, with around 7,000 employees worldwide. To learn more about Primetals Technologies, visit the company website www.primetals.com.