TPT May 2009

T echnology U pdate

Inductive heating plant in operation at Rohrwerk Maxhütte

The inductive heating plant at Rohrwerk Maxhütte GmbH, supplied by SMS Elotherm, went into full-scale production in summer 2008. The order to supply this facility for the preheating and reheating of shells had been placed with SMS Elotherm in summer 2007. The preheating system comprises a medium-frequency supply system with a capacity of 3,600kW at a frequency of 2,000Hz. It feeds two inductors that are tandem-arranged between the roller tables ahead of a gas-fired furnace. After running through the inductive preheating system, the shells undergo further heating in the gas-fired furnace. On this, they are heated over their full length inside the downstream inductive reheating system. Rohrwerk Maxhütte had requested that the insufficient performance of the gas- fired furnace be increased while limiting the temperature load on the furnace during

the process, and that the temperature differences over the shell length be eliminated. There are two systems provided for inductive reheating, each equipped with one inductor having a capacity of 1,800kW at 1,000Hz. Inductive reheating ensures an optimal and equalized temperature over the full length of the shells. Profibus facilities connect the converters with the PLC control

 Inductive heating plant with a capacity of 2 x 1,800kW for reheating shells (Rohrwerk Maxhütte photo)

and the visualization system as well as the entire process. Temperature control of the plant is implemented via temperature cameras and speed signals that are issued by the laser measuring instruments and a measuring device. SMS Elotherm’s excellent references in the field of heating plants markedly contributed to receipt of the order. The customer had the opportunity to inspect latest plants and

equipment, for instance the new seamless tube plant supplied by SMS Meer to Byelorussian Steel Works (BMZ) in Belarus. Also in operation at BMZ are inductive stirring facilities as well as an inductive heating plant from SMS Elotherm. SMS Elotherm GmbH – Germany Fax : +49 2191 891 726 Email : m.oelmann@sms-elotherm.de Website : www.sms-elotherm.com

45

www.read-tpt.com

M ay 2009

›