London, August 05, 2021

Turkish steel producer Çolakoğlu issues final acceptance certificate for first part of slab caster modernization

• Local commissioning by Primetals Technologies plus remote support
• Modernization of existing systems improves product quality and enables production of further quality grades
• Line extension boosts production rate

In December 2020, the Turkish steel producer Colakoglu Metalurji A.S. (Çolakoğlu) issued the final acceptance certificate (FAC) to Primetals Technologies for the first part of the modernization of the two-strand slab caster at the Dilovası plant near Istanbul. The modernization order covered the Level 1 and Level 2 systems, the Mold Expert system, and the segment controller. The line was also extended. Primetals Technologies carried out commissioning both locally and by means of remote support. The modernization of the existing systems has improved product quality and enabled the production of additional steel grades. Furthermore, extending the strands increased casting speed and therefore raised the production rate.

System modernization for process control and optimization

In 2020, Çolakoğlu modernized the existing Level 1 and Level 2 systems, the Mold Expert system, and the segment controller at the Dilovası plant near Istanbul. The modernization order was performed during extension of the line, replacing Çolakoğlu's existing systems with state-of-the-art technology. The modernization of the existing systems means that additional steel grades can now be produced. Commissioning of the second part of the order is scheduled for summer 2021.

Local and digital project execution

The first part of the modernization at the Dilovası plant near Istanbul, run by the Turkish steel producer Çolakoğlu, has been successfully completed. The systems were successfully modernized during a nine-day shutdown of the line. Project execution greatly benefited from the presence of employees from Primetals Technologies Austria and Poland on site as well as from the support of Primetals Technologies experts at the location in Linz in Austria, who, due to the current situation, were connected via the Internet using collaboration tools. A further major factor in the success of the project was the good cooperation with Çolakoğlu, the steel producer. In recent months, Primetals Technologies has successfully completed a large number of orders by means of remote support, using video conferencing tools, smart glasses, and augmented reality solutions.

Çolakoğlu runs an electric steel plant in Dilovası. The plant's main products are slabs for subsequent processing in a hot rolling mill and billets used for producing rebars and rock bolts. The Çolakoğlu plant is one of the world's largest steelworks. It was supplied by Primetals Technologies and has been in operation for several years now. This most recent modernization project represents a further milestone in the successful business relations between Çolakoğlu and Primetals Technologies.
 

The Primetals Technologies team during commissioning on site at Dilovası near Istanbul.

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.