Danieli SpA reports that the first of two 110-metric ton electric arc furnaces has started up at Allegheny Ludlum’s melt shop in Brackenridge, PA, USA. The project involves replacing four smaller EAFs with two vessels. The first was inaugurated in November; the second is due to start up midway through 2004. Allegheny Ludlum will be producing a broad range of stainless steels in the 200, 300, and 400 grades, as well as nickel-based alloys and tool steels. By replacing four furnaces with two, Allegheny is gaining productivity as well as product quality, according to Danieli. The two furnaces offer a series of technical improvements over their predecessors, including current-conducting arms, water-cooled panels and roof, bearing swing system, and servo-positioning hydraulics. Also, Danieli Automation supplied the operation’s new control system including Level 1 machine control with HMIs; an improved electrode regulation system; Level 2 process control; and the power demand system.
